Chickens losing weight like crazy! Feather loss, mushy crops at night, diarrhea in some.

[Alagrace]

Our chickens are losing weight drastically. They seem to be feeling fine, but breastbone is sticking out and they feel so skinny. I wormed them 10 days ago with Valbazen and am about to start another round of wormer. About a month ago I integrated my younger chicks and went to an all purpose feed rather than layer feed. Some of them have had messy bottoms, but no blood in poop. I also went out last night and noticed feather loss on neck (doesn't look like picking, just like the feathers are gone) and mushy crops. I went out this morning and their crops were drained. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[Eggcessive]

Maybe they aren't eating the new feed as well. You might want to try some gamebird chick starter that is 24% protein. I think TSC sells some in their Dumor line. Some poultry vitamins with probiotics in the water would also be a good idea. Give some chopped egg, tuna, or some good dry cat food as well to boost protein. My chickens will eat every bite of their feed if I add water or a little buttermilk and water to their feed.

 

[Alagrace]

Thank you! I'm going to go to our feed store tomorrow morning and buy the vitamins and higher protein feed (hopefully the game bird one) if they carry it.

 

[Alagrace]

I bought %20 game bird feed, the highest they had. I went out last night, checked their crops and most of them were mushy (12 hens). I was concerned about sour crop, so I researched and planed on going out to get the monistat to treat today. I went out this morning and it feels as though all the crops were empty. Should I still treat with the monistat? Could this be the beginning of a sour crop? Other symptoms: Weight loss, feather loss a couple have diarhea and pasty bums (just on the feathers). I thought it was because they were on a 16% all purpose feed, but now I am at a loss for what could be going on.

 

[Alagrace]

Will the crop by mushy if I am feeding them soaked food?

 

[junebuggena]

Crops are supposed to be empty in the morning. It's normal and healthy. It's when the crop doesn't empty that there is a problem. And yes, wet feed is soft and mushy, so the crop will likewise feel soft and mushy when filled. Hard feed equals hard crop.
How old are they?

 

[Alagrace]

I have 4- 4 month olds, 1 6 month old, and 7- 10 month olds, the 10 months olds are the ones laying, losing feathers, ect.

 

[junebuggena]

For a flock with birds of different ages, grower or flock raiser would be the best choice for feed. 16% protein isn't enough for the younger ones.
As for the feather loss, do you see any pin feathers coming in? They might be molting.

 

[Alagrace]

No,it looks like there were never feathers to begin, just smooth skin with which makes me think nutrient deficiency since they are so thin. I didn't notice the feather loss until they were soaked from the rain. Some of them are ameraucanas so their beards covered it up until they were wet.