DISEASE

[ball]

Here I am again. I havent been on this site for a long time and during that time I have had no problems with any of my chickens. However, 2 weeks ago i bought 5 ex battery chickens which have settled in very nicely and are enjoying life as they should. One of my originals has started showing symptoms of being unwell. She usually roosts at night but this morning I found her sitting on the floor, during the day I saw her shake her head a lot and tonight she is sleeping in a nesting box and not roosting.

Its seems I have been here before and baffled about what the problem is. I know of others on BYC have had the same conditions with no joy of a cure or reason and I am wondering if anyone may have an updated answer. When the problems have occurred previously, I would lose one every couple of months.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

 

[klmclain1]

Basics.. check for lice or mites. I've heard of ear infections and mites in the ears, too, causing the head shaking. I understand a drop or two of oil in each ear will smother them if that's the issue. Places to start anyway!

 

[brandislee]

I agree. Try oil with a crushed clove of garlic for the ear mites as a possibility. I usually let the clove steep in the garlic in a warm place for a few hours. The combo has reliably killed mites in my cats' ears.