- Feb 10, 2013
- 28
- 1
- 92
Recently I bought four twelve week old pullets. I fed them medicated chick starter. I also gave them an ear of corn to peck at. Day two one Orpington was head down in late afternoon with eyes partly closed. The next morning she was worse and I did some research. Symptoms were indicative of botulism. She was isolated and I began alternating water & Epsom salt with molasses in water. Also bought Polyvisol vitamins and pedialyte. In 24 hours she looked better and I gave her yogurt. 48 hours she was back to normal and joined the other girls. Caging was thoroughly cleaned.
Two weeks later the pullets joined my hens in the coop and outdoor run. Day before yesterday I gave them some corn on the cob - cooked. Yesterday when I opened the coop up three of the pullets were under the laying boxes and a Barred Rock was head down, tail tucked, and unsteady on her feet. I thought maybe one of the hens had hurt her, but when I watched a bit, decided symptoms were much like the botulism. Brought her in and began treatment. Today she is fine. Head up, eating, had some yogurt and is back outside.
Two totally different settings. Feed is dry and shows no sign of mold. Is it possible the corn on the cob is not readily digestible for pullets and spoiled in their stomachs? That is the only link I can think of between the two places.
Any other thoughts? Hate to have another one go through this. Did find that rapid identification and treatment improved recovery time
Two weeks later the pullets joined my hens in the coop and outdoor run. Day before yesterday I gave them some corn on the cob - cooked. Yesterday when I opened the coop up three of the pullets were under the laying boxes and a Barred Rock was head down, tail tucked, and unsteady on her feet. I thought maybe one of the hens had hurt her, but when I watched a bit, decided symptoms were much like the botulism. Brought her in and began treatment. Today she is fine. Head up, eating, had some yogurt and is back outside.
Two totally different settings. Feed is dry and shows no sign of mold. Is it possible the corn on the cob is not readily digestible for pullets and spoiled in their stomachs? That is the only link I can think of between the two places.
Any other thoughts? Hate to have another one go through this. Did find that rapid identification and treatment improved recovery time
