Egg production drop and sneezing

[Chickenlady1998]

Guys, I don’t understand what’s going on with my chickens I have 12 laying hens and 2 bantams (I don’t really count them, because they’re not super consistent layers). All but 5 were hatched February of 2023. I did add 5 this summer that were around 8 months old and had some feather loss supposedly from a bully. They were also treated for some sort of worm. I did quarantine. Everyone was laying well, but relatively inconsistent at the beginning of spring. I got around 8-10 eggs a day. All of a sudden I had a huge drop in production to 1-3 eggs a day. I posted to a local group and they eventually told me to treat for coccidiosis. I did with Corid. I regret that now without doing a fecal test, but alas. Now I have chickens losing feathers on their necks and above their tails, and the newest symptom being sneezing and slight rattling, and some comb paleness. Help! Is it mites? Respiratory infection? Molting? Did the Corid cause issues? I feed them 18% layer mash, fresh water everyday, they get frequent treats, have adequate space, I use sand in their run and coop, plenty of boxes. I have also been giving scrambled eggs and vitamins in their water since the Corid. I’m desperate to help them feel better. Can I use Elector PSP just to make myself feel better that it’s not mites? Is there any treatment for respiratory illness?

 

[Debbie292d]

Are you sure they aren't molting? That would explain both the egg shortage and the missing feathers.

Corid won't hurt them but it's good to follow up that with vitamins and probiotics.

As for respiratory issues, most of the time they get over the minor ones themselves, and vitamins help.

If mites, check at night around their butts with a flashlight and see if you see anything. As far as I know, Elector PSP is safe, but it's expensive so you'd hate to use it if they don't need it, but if you have any inkling they have mites, I'd go ahead and treat the coop and all of them. If you haven't bought any Elector yet, most use Permethrin powder for mites/lice. Same thing, in the coop, nest boxes, perches, etc., and dust every chicken well, making sure to get their butts and under their wings.