Corid for Coccidia... Eggs okay to still eat?

[askjcm2005]

I just saw this thread. I don't think I have seen even a picture of a comb that color. She looks seriously ill. I would wonder about liver failure, or possibly anemia from intestinal bleeding or mites. Can you check her skin all over and around her vent for the presence of lice or especially mites? Will she drink some electrolyte water for you? Offer some chopped egg, or anything that she will eat. If you should treat for coccidiosis, try the Corid, since it is easier on them than sulfa antibiotics. If you should lose the hen, I would send her refrigerated body in to the state vet for a necropsy.

Well I am glad we noticed her being picked on because that is what alerted us to a problem with her. I looked the other 2 chickens who are her "twins" and thought they were roosters because their large red combs and her small pale comb. When I realized they are all hens we realized she must be sick! There is no way that she wasn't like that at the home we got her from. It couldn't happen overnight. We got her last Friday and Saturday morning she was like this. She has actually gotten a little better since we noticed the issue. On Saturday she seemed to not have proper balance and was walking with her wings out sometimes to catch herself from falling. Since we fed her oatmeal and got her to drink some water with electrolytes she isn't doing that anymore and her comb has maybe gotten 1 shade closer to pink but is nowhere near where it should be. I will get her some chopped up eggs today when I get home and check for mites. Would they be itching if there was a mite issue? Someone I live near who has a lot of chickens says I should try and deworm them. Do you agree? And if she dies, I will for sure try and do a necropsy. My mom did it last year with her goat, drove it up to UC Davis. But hoping she pulls through. I feel so bad for her and hope she isn't suffering terribly.

 

[Bonniebooboo]

She does look jaundiced to me. Liver problems. Possibly anemic, but that yellow comb/wattles, sure looks like liver problems. Hope you can figure it out.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm new to chickens but what does making sure her crop is emptying every night mean?
On Saturday she seemed to not have proper balance and was walking with her wings out sometimes to catch herself from falling. Since we fed her oatmeal and got her to drink some water with electrolytes she isn't doing that anymore

@MasterOfClucker gave you some good illustrations of the crop.

To clarify a bit - feel her crop at night when she goes to bed, it should feel full. Check the crop the next morning before she eats/drinks it should feel empty or flat. I mentioned to check crop function since you indicated that she was pulling her head in, scrunched like a turtle. Crop issues can accompany other illnesses and conditions - you just want to make sure it's emptying properly so your not adding to what's already going on. Here's a good article on how to check a crop: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/06/chicken-anatomy-crop-impacted-crop-sour.html

A lot of times it's hard to pinpoint exactly what a chicken is sick from - so ruling out some common ailments can be key to getting them back on their feet.
Checking for mites is a very good idea. As for worming, it can be hard on the system, so if there is any way possible to have a fecal float to check for worms and Coccidiosis so those can be ruled in/out that would be best - no need to de-worm if there isn't a problem.

The balance problems you mention are concerning - since it seemed to clear up with electrolytes and eating - she may have been dehydrated.

Is there a way you can separate her or place her in a kennel inside the run so you can monitor her food/water intake and poop more closely. Placing a puppy pad in the kennel is a great way to see the poop.

Keep us posted.

edited to add - @casportpony OP mentions UC Davis - do they provide lab services such as fecal floats in addition to necropsy?

 

[askjcm2005]

Thanks everyone! Will update when there is one. Really appreciate all the feedback.

 

[Birdma]

My chickens are going through coccidiosous. Their combs were pale but not yellow. My chickens are black, I’m not sure if that’s what pale looks like on your breed however yellow just sounds jaundice. If you feed them lots of treats they can get liver disease.
I would take her to a vet especially if she is acting different. Good luck!!

 

[Eggcessive]

My chickens are going through coccidiosous. Their combs were pale but not yellow. My chickens are black, I’m not sure if that’s what pale looks like on your breed however yellow just sounds jaundice. If you feed them lots of treats they can get liver disease.
I would take her to a vet especially if she is acting different. Good luck!!

Welcome to BYC.