diarrhea in some of my flock some worse than others

[farmerbob]

I have been monitering my birds and it seems that their loose stool is spreading. I had a couple early this year with it but it didn't spread until recently. That coupled with them plucking each other well their getting kinda beatup looking. Has anyone had this problem or have any suggestions? I am considering anti-biotics but don't know where to get them or what type to use. any help would be appreciated


thanks in advance

Bob

 

[gritsar]

Have you checked out the poo page?:

http://chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

It can help you decide if there is a problem with their droppings or not. Right now most of my birds have loose stools and I expect that with our triple digit temps. they are drinking more water than they are consuming food. Also, there's the cecal poo that's totally normal. You'll see that about every 6 to 10 movements from each bird.

Pecking issues are harder to resolve. How much space do your birds have? Do they ever get a chance to free range or are they cooped and/or penned full-time?

Antibiotics are not a good thing, unless you have a sure 'nuff illness. Overuse can make them useless when you really do need them.

How old are your birds? What do you feed them?

Answers to these questions can help us help you.

 

[farmerbob]

i have 21 hens a mixture of white & brown leghorns5 to 18 months in an 8x8 coop with a free area of 10x25 fenced. I have a high population of fox & coyotes mink & other preditors and have lost several free rangers. I feed cracked corn mixed with 20% protein layer feed , and often feed different scrap greens from the garden or dinner table. as far as the poo goes its hard to follow them to see what each one is doing. my concern is what appears to be a leaky vent producing a white streak they are producing eggs regulary. I have seen what apears to be chaping from the wet. I think bagbalm would help that. I have made the hens where aprons when I had a rooster with them many are missing tails and butt feathers. Temps were very high in July, Aug has been a little less hot but we have had some in the 90's thats all I have. I hope this is detailed enough


Thanks so much


Bob

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
The suggested space in the coop is 4 sq. feet per chicken. From what I've seen the more space the better, less pecking issues. Of course yours have a run with plenty of space, so I would definitely encourage them to spend as much time as possible in the run. Protein-rich foods can help too. Iffin it were me I'd cut out the corn for awhile so they are more or less forced that high protein feed which is good for them.
I think you're right, bag balm may help the chaping.

Sorry I don't have more advice for you.