So, I wasn't home for a month and had a neighbor caring for my chickens. This is what happened...
I live in Alabama (this only matters because of climate and predators) and went to Louisiana to help with hurricane Ida relief. The neighbor who cared for my chickens were instructed to let the chickens out of the coop in the mornings before it became hot. Preferably by 9 am. To give them fresh water ever day. Refill their pellet feeder as needed. Scatter a cup of scratch each day. And to let them out of their run anytime they were home during daylight hours. And to lock the chicken coop back up at dusky dark. And also, if anything came up to call or text me.
When I got home it was after dark, I went to check on my girls. Everyone was on the roost and appeared normal. The next day when I let them out "Who" seemed off. I thought maybe because I hadn't been home she was being standoffish. After observing them for a while it was obvious to me that something was wrong with her.
Her symptoms are as follows. Diarrhea, looks as though she had not eaten anything solid. Disheveled appearance. Comb flopped over and pale. Low energy and slow movements. Would 'sit down' when she was outside. Lack of interest in food.
I got these chickens approximately 18 months ago. This is my first flock, and I'm still very inexperienced. So far the only illness I've needed to identify and treat is bumble foot.
What I've found out is that my chickens were fed moldy pellets and confined to their run the whole time I was gone. I allow them to free range most of the day because I don't tell like their run is large enough for them. Their coop was not cleaned, nor was any bedding added to it. I did not directly instruct my neighbor to clean the coop, or to at least add more bedding. So I can only be upset with myself for not realizing that what would be basic common sense for me, is not for others.
I've decided that coccidiosis is the most probable cause of her illness and have been treating with a teaspoon of powder Corid 20% per gallon of water for the past 2 days. Is this dosage correct? And how long should I continue treatment?
Also, I think there may be a fungal issue going on. Mushrooms have sprouted in their run. This hasn't happened before. And also a few of my girls have what looks like a white powdery substance on their ears. This is new and not part of their normal coloring. Any idea on what it could be and treatment options? I tried to take pics, but my girls seem to know when I have a camera. So I will attach what I can.
Thank you for any and all help, or advice given. I'm experienced with animals in general but still very green with chickens.
I live in Alabama (this only matters because of climate and predators) and went to Louisiana to help with hurricane Ida relief. The neighbor who cared for my chickens were instructed to let the chickens out of the coop in the mornings before it became hot. Preferably by 9 am. To give them fresh water ever day. Refill their pellet feeder as needed. Scatter a cup of scratch each day. And to let them out of their run anytime they were home during daylight hours. And to lock the chicken coop back up at dusky dark. And also, if anything came up to call or text me.
When I got home it was after dark, I went to check on my girls. Everyone was on the roost and appeared normal. The next day when I let them out "Who" seemed off. I thought maybe because I hadn't been home she was being standoffish. After observing them for a while it was obvious to me that something was wrong with her.
Her symptoms are as follows. Diarrhea, looks as though she had not eaten anything solid. Disheveled appearance. Comb flopped over and pale. Low energy and slow movements. Would 'sit down' when she was outside. Lack of interest in food.
I got these chickens approximately 18 months ago. This is my first flock, and I'm still very inexperienced. So far the only illness I've needed to identify and treat is bumble foot.
What I've found out is that my chickens were fed moldy pellets and confined to their run the whole time I was gone. I allow them to free range most of the day because I don't tell like their run is large enough for them. Their coop was not cleaned, nor was any bedding added to it. I did not directly instruct my neighbor to clean the coop, or to at least add more bedding. So I can only be upset with myself for not realizing that what would be basic common sense for me, is not for others.
I've decided that coccidiosis is the most probable cause of her illness and have been treating with a teaspoon of powder Corid 20% per gallon of water for the past 2 days. Is this dosage correct? And how long should I continue treatment?
Also, I think there may be a fungal issue going on. Mushrooms have sprouted in their run. This hasn't happened before. And also a few of my girls have what looks like a white powdery substance on their ears. This is new and not part of their normal coloring. Any idea on what it could be and treatment options? I tried to take pics, but my girls seem to know when I have a camera. So I will attach what I can.
Thank you for any and all help, or advice given. I'm experienced with animals in general but still very green with chickens.
