Another sick hen

[2qtkids]

Sunday we noticed one of our newer 17 week old Buff Orpingtons had watery brown diarrhea and seemed a bit unsteady on her feet. This is one of the hens we bought from our local feed store that bought them from a local farmer. We've already taken two back and one died several weeks ago. We don't know what illness they had, but do know they brought it to our flock.

We separated her from the others and have her in our shop in her own cage. It's big enough for her to walk around and she has her own feed and water and a heat lamp. We've started her on Sulmet. So far, the others seem to be fine. Today she seems steadier and I even noticed her cheeks and comb seem a little pinker. Still not as pink as the others like her though.

My husband and I have a disagreement over her droppings and shavings. He planned to roll up the newspaper in her cage with shavings and droppings and all and toss it into our compost which we periodically turn in our garden. I told him no way, burn it! He thinks it's perfectly fine to put in our compost. I argued back it will continue the cycle to put it into our garden and keep the disease around. Please advise!!!

 

[leadwolf1]

I would not compost any droppings from a sick chicken especially since you have no idea what she has. Some chicken diseases can stay around for years, reinfecting your flock. I say burn it!!!

 

[apowell]

I would burn it and let him compost the ashes

 

[2qtkids]

Thank you for replying. Now that a complete stranger has told him not to put it in the compost and to burn it, he agrees. Tomorrow we are going to erradicate the coop and houses. We'll be raking everything and taking it far away from where they roam and live and bleaching out their houses and feeders.

 

[Suzierd]

I would use Oxine if you can it's better then bleach.
http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/oxine.htm

 

[2qtkids]

Suzierd - Thank you for the link. It was very informative. I would like to call around to look for some today, what type of store do you get yours from? I appreciate a healthier safer method and especially one with so many uses. I have never heard of using Oxine for this purpose.

 

[2qtkids]

I would use Oxine if you can it's better then bleach.
http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/oxine.htm

I should clarify my question...It seems the best place to find Oxine is a feed store or veteranarian? Just wondering where you buy yours; if it's local to you or through the internet etc. We live to close to two feed stores and will try them today. Thanks again for your information!

 

[Suzierd]

I bought mine on Amazon.com I haven't seen it locally but it wont hurt to check. Make sure it has the (AH) for animal health. Don't mix it with any citris makes it toxic. Great stuff!

 

[leadwolf1]

Here's a link for something that I just found on a thread on here...I'm going to be using it alternately with oxine. I purchased my oxine at Lamberts Vet Supply. If I recall correctly, it was cheaper then amazon.


http://www.neogen.com/animalsafety/pdf/ProdInfo/Tech_Bulletins/VirkonS.pdf

it can be found here:

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail....6&ccd=IGO045&gclid=CLH56o2awLACFQhgTAodWn_NWg

 

[2qtkids]

Hello Again,

Our little hen got better with her special care of being separated for a few days and being on Sulmet. In the meantime, I did order and receive the Oxine AH. We have not used it yet because she seemed better. But I've kept a close eye on her and she's been puffed up the last few days, like she's cold. The other night she was by herself and I went over to her. She was so sweet, chatting and clucking and leaning her head into me. I picked her up and she seemed really skinny for a chicken. Her comb is pink, but the others are red. I know she still isn't well. Tonight she was sitting down eating her feed out of the feeder. That just isn't normal. Can you tell me how I should use this Oxine? Just on her, or treat everyone? I'm wondering if I can put an amount in a vaporizer or humidifier? I just have no idea how much to use or even how to use it. Thank you!