I have a 3 groups of chickens. Group 1 started with 10 Orpingtons and 3 Silkies. Group 2 is a mixed bag with 14 chicks and Group 3 has 29 chicks I hatched myself. Mostly Orpingtons. I got the outside chicks when they were 1 or 2 days old. Groups 1 and 2 are 5 weeks old and group 3 is one week.
I have been feeding medicated chick starter since the beginning. I was using vitamins and electrolytes in the water every day until 4 days ago. They live on pine shavings. I just moved groups 1 and 2 into a brand new coop 8 x 12. Have heat lamp on just in case they get cold. ( I live in North Pole, Alaska and it is getting down to 40ish at night.)
So far I have lost 2 silkies and 1 blue orpington from group 1. Have 1 other chick from group one down but seems to be rallying. Group 2 lost 2 chicks and I have one in my "hosp" now.
I have found one or two a day just laying on their side, not eating and not moving. When they did try to move, they just turned around in circles cause the right side won't hold them up. When I hold them they still had grip in the toes. There were no droppings to look at until just before they died. It was foul smelling and watery with a hint of blood.
Husband was raised on a chicken farm and he thought coccidiosis. Then we necropsied the silkie and he said she was full of blood as if her heart burst. He said the intestines were good, no sign of coccidiosis.
I have started tube feeding the 2 that are in hospital and the Orpington seems to be getting her balance back. She sits pushed up against the box. The other one is not improving but is still strong enough to give me a hard time when feeding.
I am feeding baby cereal, yogurt and Karo. The orpington pooped an hour after I fed her and there was no blood just watery with a hint of solids.
Husband says maybe stricknine or arsenic posioning.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks Holly
I have been feeding medicated chick starter since the beginning. I was using vitamins and electrolytes in the water every day until 4 days ago. They live on pine shavings. I just moved groups 1 and 2 into a brand new coop 8 x 12. Have heat lamp on just in case they get cold. ( I live in North Pole, Alaska and it is getting down to 40ish at night.)
So far I have lost 2 silkies and 1 blue orpington from group 1. Have 1 other chick from group one down but seems to be rallying. Group 2 lost 2 chicks and I have one in my "hosp" now.
I have found one or two a day just laying on their side, not eating and not moving. When they did try to move, they just turned around in circles cause the right side won't hold them up. When I hold them they still had grip in the toes. There were no droppings to look at until just before they died. It was foul smelling and watery with a hint of blood.
Husband was raised on a chicken farm and he thought coccidiosis. Then we necropsied the silkie and he said she was full of blood as if her heart burst. He said the intestines were good, no sign of coccidiosis.
I have started tube feeding the 2 that are in hospital and the Orpington seems to be getting her balance back. She sits pushed up against the box. The other one is not improving but is still strong enough to give me a hard time when feeding.
I am feeding baby cereal, yogurt and Karo. The orpington pooped an hour after I fed her and there was no blood just watery with a hint of solids.
Husband says maybe stricknine or arsenic posioning.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks Holly
