Chickens losing weight!! Breast bones protruding!!

[BeanTater]

My whole flock of mixed breed chickens are all (most of them anyway) losing weight! I lost one a couple days ago.
I believe they have been losing weight for A while but I didn't think mutch about it at the time... Now I'm worried sick!

There are a few who have the runs (and it is clumped to the feathers below the vent) so I think possibly worms. I have read about doing roundworm treatment with Wazine17 first then follow up with Valbazen as to decrease the worm load gradually. Suggestions? Where can I get these meds?

Help!!

 

[Pyxis]

!

Sorry you're having these problems. What do you feed your birds as their primary diet?

You can worm with Wazine first if you want to get any roundworms (and it's not a bad idea if you think they have a high worm load), and then ten days later you'll want to follow up with something more broad-spectrum like Safeguard, both of which you can purchase at Tractor Supply or online. Valbazen is a good choice too, although you will likely need to order it online. I know Jefferspet carries it.

 

[micstrachan]

I agree worms is a distinct possibility and a broad spectrum (like Valbazen) would be the way to go. Please offer supportive care (vitamins and electrolytes in water) and a high protein treat like chopped egg, tuna, sardines, etc. to help build back a little muscle. I recommend checking for external parasites, as well. Slso, what do they normally eat and do they always have access to grit? Is it possible their feed has gone rancid or moldy?

 

[chonsey]

Diatomaceous earth is an option. I buy feed that contains it so I don't have to worry about them breathing it in and it kills all internal parasites.

 

[Pyxis]

Diatomaceous earth is an option. I buy feed that contains it so I don't have to worry about them breathing it in and it kills all internal parasites.

Diatomaceous earth does not kill internal parasites. The way it kills bugs and worms is by drying them out. If it gets wet, it no longer works. It of course gets wet when eaten by a chicken and does nothing to help kill any internal parasites a chicken has.

 

[BeanTater]

!

Sorry you're having these problems. What do you feed your birds as their primary diet?

You can worm with Wazine first if you want to get any roundworms (and it's not a bad idea if you think they have a high worm load), and then ten days later you'll want to follow up with something more broad-spectrum like Safeguard, both of which you can purchase at Tractor Supply or online. Valbazen is a good choice too, although you will likely need to order it online. I know Jefferspet carries it.

Thank you for the reply! I feed them Purina Layena pellets. Not rancid. This is my first time with flick problems so I’m only basing my thoughts about worms / worm load off what I’ve been reading. I’m going to give them Wazine17 today along with some probiotics/enzymes from Hen Boost.

 

[sourland]

Worming with the products mentioned (not DE) and provision of a balanced diet ad lib should solve your problem. Welcome to BYC, and good luck in resolving this.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us Good luck resolving this as you're in good hands with @Pyxis to add protein and vitamins I recommend canned pink salmon and/or smashed boiled eggs. Salmon is loaded with protein, vitamins and omega 3s, while the eggs have a perfect balance of amino acids for chickens. When I do this, I use about a table spoon per bird morning and evening.

 

[getaclue]

Most feed stores, and Tractor Supply carry dewormers, including Safe Guard, and Valbazen. I agree, you should worm them.

 

[BeanTater]

Any opinions on Valbazen vs Safe Guard? There is quite a price difference.