Corid/amprolium

[mbittinger]

Unfortunately the girl referenced in this post died a few days ago. I've now lost 3 of my six hens and another seems sick now too. I've been giving them the treatment dosage and cleaning out their waterer every single day and regularly changing out their bedding. After the last one died I also did a deep cleaning on the coop, dousing everything with bleach and another one still got sick. I am out of ideas.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Any symptoms of respiratory distress - coughing, sneezing, runny nose, eyes?
Losing 3 in a short period of time is generally something contagious, or they have been exposed to something toxic - mold, rotten matter.
Check your feed to make sure no mold is in it, hot humid weather feed can go bad quickly.

If the one that is sick now does pass on, I recommend that you send her for necropsy that way you what you are dealing with.
I'm so sorry.


Necropsy and State labs
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm
http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf

 

[mbittinger]

No symptoms of respiratory distress, but the most recent one took a turn for the worst this morning. Her wings were hanging down away from her body and she had a hard time holding her head up. She also had really poor balance and quite a bit of wobble while trying to walk. I didn't want her to suffer so I put her down. I am down now to 1 rooster and two hens and I'm at a loss for what to do to keep these ones safe. I will look into the necropsy to see if I can figure out what's going on.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Were they vaccinated for Marek's?
A necropsy would be a good idea.

MAREKS
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

MAREK'S VIDEO

 

[mbittinger]

Yes the barn I bought them from says that all their chicks are vaccinated for Marek's and started on a medicated feed.

 

[mbittinger]

And none of mine have had paralysis of the legs. Mostly just extreme weakness and loss of balance followed by extreme lethargy and ultimately death. I tried to give them ampro medicated water via syringe and also made a paste if their food to make it easier to eat but none of it worked.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hopefully a necropsy will give you more information.

If you are having hot, humid weather check your feed for any signs of mold. Also ensure there's lot a ventilation in your coop. Look for anything that they may have gotten into, moldy leaf matter, rotting material, insecticides, etc.

Are you using any extra heat for them at night?

 

[mbittinger]

It has been warm but not exceptionally humid. Their food is stored in a cool dry shed inside of a big Rubbermaid and I refill it regularly so it doesn't sit in the feeder too long. I have one of the fill from the top ones so good doesn't get trapped in there by newer food and go moldy. I have 6 rectangular vents approximately 6-8 inches by 4 inches, on opposite sides of the coop at the top for airflow and was considering cutting some down low.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It has been warm but not exceptionally humid. Their food is stored in a cool dry shed inside of a big Rubbermaid and I refill it regularly so it doesn't sit in the feeder too long. I have one of the fill from the top ones so good doesn't get trapped in there by newer food and go moldy. I have 6 rectangular vents approximately 6-8 inches by 4 inches, on opposite sides of the coop at the top for airflow and was considering cutting some down low.

The food situation sounds good.

I'm just trying to think of anything that could cause the symptoms you describe since there is no sign of respiratory illness and the Corid does not seem to be helping. Marek's or something similar could still be a possibility, it can present in different ways, but I always try to look at other things too. Not enough ventilation or exposure to fumes/toxins can cause similar symptoms so that's why I ask, just to make sure. (I ask a lot of questions- just brainstorming

)

If you were thinking that you may need more ventilation, you most likely do. The more air flow the better, even in winter air flow is important.
If you want to post some coop photos here I will be glad to help you or you can start a thread on the coops & run page asking about ventilation there are other people more experienced in design/construction than I am that I'm sure would be glad to help you. (Several photos of the outside and a few of the inside are helpful, it helps to see what you see so we can give offer suggestions)

Here's a good article on ventilation
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop