Well, I went to buy some pullets and found the poor girls being kept in horrid conditions. My heart was breaking as I left with 5, yet there were many more needing help. So what started as a flock expansion has turned into a bit of a rescue operation. The conditions were mud, no shelter, over crowding, dirty water, barely any feeding. I bathed them all up and noticed lice on a few so I plan to dust them and quarantine them. I also noticed blood in the stools so will probably treat with corid as well. Any advice on things to watch for in birds such as these? There is evident feather loss, they are also very thin, can I feed them as I would healthy birds? Do I need to be checking vigilantly for worms?? Any advice for a rescue situation would be appreciated!!
Even if they do get better, your existing flock is not safe as there are many diseases that they could have that are not showing, like Marek's, MS, MG, etc. If you decide to keep them, you should work them for sure. -Kathy
Keep these chickens in quarantine for at least 30 days (and more would be better) to watch for signs of respiratory disease as Castportpony said. Since they were kept in poor conditions the chances they are sick are pretty good. I would worm first, treat with Corid for 5-7 days, then start on vitamins and probiotics in their water. I would give them 20% all flock or unmedicated chick feed for the extra protein, along with crushed oystershell on the side for any layers. Give them scrambled chopped eggs for extra protein. Watch for sneezing, swelling of the face and eyes, nasal drainage or thick secretions, and bubbles in the eyes. Good luck, and keep them away from your healthy chickens.
