Broilers dying of Ascites?

[my sunwolf]

Okay, looks like it is ascites (I'm guessing from this article), which can be caused by protein buildup and by cold temps! Among other things. I'm guessing if I decrease their protein and add heat I should be better off.

 

[my sunwolf]

Just wanted to give an update...

Did an autopsy since I'm now down to six birds (from ten) at 7 weeks old. They are about 5lbs live weight right now, so a little on the small side. Seems the last few died of ascites since they had swollen purple abdomens. The last one that died had a liver that was larger than all other internal organs combined, plus it was all brown instead of red. All organs were a bit filmier than usual. Heart was purple. The remaining 6 appear to be fine, but the thing with this disease is that they pretty much puff up their feathers and die within a day or so. Ascites has the swollen, discolored liver symptom, so I'm still sticking with that diagnosis. I had treated them for cocci twice, and the Easter Eggers in the same pen as them are still doing great. I'm going to butcher them asap for smaller carcasses because I just don't know how many more will make it to 8-9 weeks.

Interestingly, my younger batch of 10 broilers (also from TSC) have some odd health problems as well. Though no ascites so far, I have one with kinky back, which is supposedly rare but apparently more common in Cornish X flocks. It sits on its butt with its feet up in the air, walks on its hocks, and often scoots backwards instead of forwards. Somehow it's getting along okay, eating and drinking with the others, but I worry about eventual dehydration.

I am never buying Cornish X from TSC ever again since they seem to come with more health problems than I'm willing to deal with.