Chickens are sick

[rebrascora]

@Mtherunner3

I don't want to alarm you but I would be concerned that this might be bird flu. You have respiratory symptoms and birds sick and dying. Do you have wild migratory birds in your area? It might be a good idea to contact your local AG Department and see if there have been any outbreaks of bird flu in the area. It would also be wise to have a necropsy done if any more die.
Good luck with treating for cocci. I hope it does the trick and it's a good idea to have a vitamin supplement like Nutri Drench ready to give them as soon as Corid treatment is finished.

Best wishes

Barbara

 

[Lady of McCamley]

@Mtherunner3

I don't want to alarm you but I would be concerned that this might be bird flu. You have respiratory symptoms and birds sick and dying. Do you have wild migratory birds in your area? It might be a good idea to contact your local AG Department and see if there have been any outbreaks of bird flu in the area. It would also be wise to have a necropsy done if any more die.
Good luck with treating for cocci. I hope it does the trick and it's a good idea to have a vitamin supplement like Nutri Drench ready to give them as soon as Corid treatment is finished.

Best wishes

Barbara

@Mtherunner3 This actually is a sad but "good" thought...AI was not on my mind as we haven't had an outbreak for awhile in the US, but a couple of years ago, it was a real problem.

Yes, with a lot being sick, swelling in nasal cavities, deaths, it would be wise to contact the Ag department and have a necropsy, for the sake of all chicken owners and the chicken industry.

Sorry. Scary thoughts but actually may be a more accurate assessment, at least one that needs to be ruled out.
LofMc

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Did good didn't loose any last night. So will see what today holds. Thank you for advice. Will have to get a thermometer for brooder. Feeding chick starter and quail starter for the higher protene

Yes, definitely get a thermometer in the brooder. If the chicks are huddled away from the heat lamp, it is too hot. If they are all huddled extremely close under the lamp, it is likely too cold.

With EE's (what feed stores call Ameraucanas or Americanas) and Production Reds/RIR, you do not need to feed higher protein than the normal 18 to 20% that is in the chick start.

Game bird/quail feed can be very high protein, almost 28% in some brands. That is too much protein and can harm their kidneys. It also causes layer types to grow to quickly causing joint issues. It will also dilute the medicated feed (if that is what you are using) such that it is much less effective at offsetting coccidia.

Since you've had illness and loss, feed regular 18% protein medicated chick start. Clean the brooder and all feed/water dishes. Set up a thermometer and check it over the next hour, adjusting. Do not put the heat lamp over food and water as that grows microbes very quickly and makes the water too warm for the chicks to want to drink it.

Make sure that the chicks look comfortable...some warming under the lamp in an inner circle; some relaxing a little further away, some feeding and romping in the coolest areas.

Good luck with your new flock.

LofMc