Dying hens

[matt44644]

Is it a space heater or a heated waterer that keeps tripping the breakers?

 

[MTChick76]

Have not wormed flock. And I have not a clue as to whether they were vaccinated at the hatchery or not. I was doing some reading on Mereks and that is a possibility, but it didn't seem to be the best match.


While the straw was definitely damp, I didn't notice very much mold as it's been too cold. Today is warm (40 degrees) and the snow is melting like crazy. I am planning to get a bail of hay today and put in. Perhaps straw wasn't the best. We used hay exclusively for the first 3 1/2 years and for some reason switched to straw in the last 6 months.

No space heater in coop, it is the electric heat wire around the waterer.

One of the two remaining sick ones (or ones showing signs of illness) is nearly dead, and there's still one not doing well. The other 10 hens, the rooster and the two ducks seem to be fine.


Thanks again for all the input!

 

[ChickenKid11]

I am having the exact same problems! However mine get all ruffled up and start losing feathers, very very rapidly and they are not getting replaced like a they would in a molt....

 

[enola]

If you have a lot of damp bedding you could be dealing with worms, coccidia or pneumonia.

 

[MTChick76]

Would I notice worms in the bedding?


Mine aren't loosing feathers.


And they don't seem to be breathing funny.

 

[enola]

Since you have never wormed them you should get Safeguard or Valbazen and worm them. An overload of worms can cause all types of problems for chickens.

 

[MTChick76]

Will do. thanks!

 

[Harry Rooster]

Just as a side note, it is always a good idea I think, to separate the sick chicken from the rest as soon as you notice that they are sick and bring them in or something to cut down the chances of the others catching whatever they have, also to keep the others from pecking it, which they will do sometimes when one is sick. I think that is just nature's way of culling out the weak and sick from the flock in order to have a healthy flock. I have made an area in my shop where I keep any that may be sick or injured until they are well and recovered. I learned that the hard way. Good luck to you both with your chicks. Also the Valbazen is great, I have used that also for my chickens.

 

[Harry Rooster]

If you get the Valbazen, it only takes a very small amount about pea sized on a small piece of bread given to each chicken individually. Check on here and ask about how much ect before you do it though to see what other more professional people say about it. Ask Dawg.