Diagnoses needed: Purple comb, lethargy, in mature Java hens

[Independence]

I have been blessed to live in a dry, high-elevation environment where poultry sickness is rare. However, I am seeing a pattern with my older hens (3-4 years) where they develop a purple comb and then become lethargic. Sometimes there is labored breathing but not all of the time. The pattern usually ends in death. Having said that, I have a few hens who have had purple combs for years with no issues. Some of the hens progress slowly through the phases and others more rapidly.

I have been treating them periodically with Verm-X and that really seemed to help. Unfortunately, Verm-X doesn't seem to be available right now. If I could root cause the problem I may be able to better treat it. My flockster gut instinct thinks it may be organ failure due to parasites but that is only a gut hunch.

Thanks!

Indy

 

[azygous]

It's easy enough to test poop for parasites. Just collect a random sample from your flock and ask a local vet to do a fecal float for coccidia and worms. Reassure them they will not need to come up with any treatment plan. The cost is affordable and can be done within an hour.

That will rule out or confirm your hunch. What I suspect is an avian virus such as lymphoid leucosis. It behaves much as you describe. The virus causes tumors that can cause organ failure and difficulty breathing as the tumors encroach on organ function.

To confirm or rule out a virus, you will need to send the next chicken that dies to a lab for a necropsy. It would help to locate a lab beforehand and inquire as to cost and procedure.

 

[Independence]

Thank you Azygous. Indeed, necropsy is next on my list. I have access to CSU's veterinary school and their necropsy services are fairly cheap. I have the freezer packs and shipping carton all ready for the next occurrence.

I like the idea of a fecal float test. Is that something easily done at home? I have access to lab equipment, slides, and microscopes.

 

[azygous]

There are instructions on the internet on how to perform fecal float tests at home. It will inform you of the chemicals needed. Being able to do your own fecals is a wonderful tool to have. The tests are easy and quick with the proper equipment.

 

[Independence]

What I suspect is an avian virus such as lymphoid leucosis.

From what I have read, this generally is seen in younger hens (20-40 weeks). This is not something we see in hens in that age bracket. Only our older hens (3 years or more) seem to experience this condition. Have you seen this in older flock members?