Chickens losing weight, unbalanced.

[backyard pigeons]

Hello everyone! I hope you guys are doing well.

I have 4 out of 7 chickens that are not acting well. I'm struggling figure out what is wrong with them. They are: unbalnced, weak, skinny, and some have sores in their mouth. They drink an excessive amount, and still have their appetite. They did struggle with coccidiosis while young, and I thought they had gotten over it. But while examining their droppings, I saw a few with a little blood. they're all about four months old. I don't see any worms in their droppings, but don't know quite what to look for either.

Any help is appreciated. I want them to get better, preferably without spending an excessive amount of money on a vet or med. Thank you guys!

 

[Mzliz1015]

Awww. I'm so sorry about your chickens! My little 15 week old pullet just passed away from Mareks. That sounds very much like what yours might have. I truly hope it is not but after my started limping I learned some about this horrible disease. I didn't know that even with vaccination, chickens can still get this. The most affected are usually young. Hope they get better!!

 

[backyard pigeons]

Awww. I'm so sorry about your chickens! My little 15 week old pullet just passed away from Mareks. That sounds very much like what yours might have. I truly hope it is not but after my started limping I learned some about this horrible disease. I didn't know that even with vaccination, chickens can still get this. The most affected are usually young. Hope they get better!!

Thanks for this. what all did yours experience with mareks? I'm very sorry about pullet.

 

[Mzliz1015]

At first we thought she had sprained her ankle or pulled a tendon because she was limping. After a week her limp seemed to affect both legs and then she stopped walking altogether. Worried, I took her to the vet for a second time and paid for xrays. The vet gave her antibiotics but said nothing was broken. She started screeching some and flapping a lot to move. I gently cleaned her bottom and crate everyday. Her appetite decreased and she continued to lose weight even though I added vitamins and tried everything. The day before she passed, she could barely bend her legs. It was hard to watch but I have read some blogs and heard stories of some chickens making it through and recovering. I have 3 other girls in my flock but they are all older. I'm assuming they infected her but were strong enough themselves to not show symptoms. Pretty sad. Keep us posted about how yours do!