Got first hens sunday

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jemma0101

jemma0101

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5 Years
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Hi, I'm new to keeping hens, got my first flock of 3 on Sunday. A bluebell, Rhode island red and a light Sussex. Still thinking of names that aren't bluey, red hen and white one.
Wondered if anyone can help. They all came from the same breeder, blue and white are fine but red hen just sits all the time in the bottom of the coops run... I'm not sure if she's ill or just being bullied or not sure of her new surroundings but it's very worrying. She doesn't look ill, her eyes are clear and feathers in good condition but her droppings are different to the others, more liquid and there was some red in them yesterday, not sure if was blood. The breeder said they're all vaccinated etc for the next year and I haven't seen any worms. She's eating and drinking. None of them are laying yet, he said around 2 weeks until they start
Please can anyone help because I'm worried she will just give up. Thank you
 
Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! Congratulations on your new flock! Sorry the one hen is not acting right, have you seen the others bully her or anything? They are about four months old? You might try posting in the Emergencies forum about her https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures chickens do have a wide range of normal poops, here is a site with a lot of pictures http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=17568.0 Cecal poops are pretty common, and they also have shed intestinal lining occasionally... she could also be having a coccidia outbreak due to the stress of moving.
 
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Welcome to BYC!

And congrats on the new flock! Sounds like this hen may have coccidiosis. Common with birds that are moved to new ground. You might want to get some Corid and dose her or even the entire flock with it. It won't hurt her or the flock and you can use it even if they are laying as there is now egg withdrawal.

You can also post this in our emergency section too. Kelsie has left you with the link.

Enjoy your new flock and I hope you can get this tired bird back on her feet soon!
 
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Kelsie and Two have you covered. Just wanted to welcome you to BYC.

Best of luck with your sick hen. You've come to the right place for assistance.
 
Thanks for your replies! I'm really excited about it all :)
Here's a pic of red hen this afternoon wondering around the garden, she seemed to pick up quite a bit when away from the other two so I'm worried she's being bullied.
Would they get vaccinated for coccidosis at the hatchery? How would they catch it if we don't have other livestock etc...
Thanks again for the advice. I'll also post in the other section

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jemma0101 said:
Thanks for your replies! I'm really excited about it all
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Here's a pic of red hen this afternoon wondering around the garden, she seemed to pick up quite a bit when away from the other two so I'm worried she's being bullied.
Would they get vaccinated for coccidosis at the hatchery? How would they catch it if we don't have other livestock etc...
Thanks again for the advice. I'll also post in the other section

Click to expand...
If you suspect bullying, make sure to set up several feeding and watering stations. Many times bullied birds can get dehydrated and very hungry which can make them appear ill. If there is a hen that is bullying her, separate the bully out for a couple weeks or use pinless peepers on the bully.

But...cocci is everywhere. It is in the soil, it blows on the wind, it is in the intestinal tract of all birds. Any bird can come down with cocci from being stressed, moved to new ground, wet ground, birds that are older or younger are susceptible. You sometimes will see blood in the stool, diarrhea, fluffed up and standing in the corner, not eating or drinking. This is cocci. Some corid in the water will take care of this illness.
 
Oh she's eating and drinking though. She came out of the run earlier on her own so I gave her her own food and water and she was eating away happily and she's also been pecking at grass etc. If she's only just got it maybe she's only showing some symptoms?..
 
Maybe she is just a loner - like some people are - happiest with just herself for company. I still think they may be bullying her but, coccidosis maybe be dampening her spirits so she doesn't fight back.
 
I would try putting out more water and feed stations in case they are running her off. Not enough food and water can make them become lethargic. If she still looks tired after a few days of eating and drinking, you might try the Corid just in case. :-)
 

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