Help!! Amature losing chickens, just lost the 5th to unknown reason.

[Overoberyl]

How do you know if they need to be wormed?

If you see worms that definitely means they need to be treated, but just because you do not see worms does not mean they do not have them. I think the suggestion was made because you aren't sure what is going on, that is one thing that could be happening that is fairly simple to address...

Btw you could consider taking one of the dead ones in to an avian vet for a necropsy. It's the only way to know for sure what killed them.

 

[aggiemae]

All chickens what go outside and live on soil get worms. Chickens don't suddenly die of worms, they would slowly loose weight and their feathers dull.

If you are losing then so quickly my first though is something contagious. A necropsy might be necessary to find out what's killing them. Meanwhile, all you can do is mitigate exposure to what ever is making them sick.

I would take a few in one at a time and give them a head to toe check up. There are already threads here on BYC for what to check. If you can't handle them during the day take them off the roost in the evening. Be prepared with anything you might need in case you find a problem. Towels, scissors, antibotic ointment for injuries, olive oil for dry feet and combs are always good to have right there.

I know you said you think there is enough ventilation but how's the air quality in the coop? Are the walls damp in the morning? Do you uses cedar bedding? Are the hens exposed to or pecking at pressure treated wood?

BTW, I wouldn't use layer unless they are lying. If there were born in the fall they probably aren't. I would swittch to unmedicated starter and give them calcium on the side until all of them are laying.

 

[mychickenbrood]

If they are losing weight. Check their breast bone to see if they seem to skinny. Sometimes people see worms in the poo, but I believe by that time they are really overloaded with worms. I know the poo can change too, but am not that well schooled on poo yet.

I rountinly worm every few months. It is easy. Put it in their water.

If it were me, I'd google some sites on raising chickens in the cold. Some universities have very good poultry information sites. Good luck. Hope you don't lose anymore. Please update from time to time.

 

[marthacolleen]

It's almost certainly Mareck's, which is a viral disease, HIGHLY contagious, and carried in their "dander" - so any feathers they shed, etc... will carry the virus for months. There is a vaccination that can be given for it, it's a sub-cut injection that needs to be given at one day of age. I'm sorry you had this also, it's horrific to watch them succumb to it. There is no "cure" and they will all die different "deaths". For their sake, just hope it's quick. Breaks your heart. They are so confused as to why their little legs no longer work, they fall over... it's horrible.

 

[mychickenbrood]

I have read many, many times, on different sites, that chickens can generally withstand cold, although those with large combs have more trouble (frostbite) but that they Cannot tolerate Drafts well. Since you mentioned that you might have, "too much ventilation," perhaps that is it. I believe it could be a disease though. I found out that in my area there is a place that will do free necropsys (sp?). Maybe you start with a local university aviarian program, your local ag. extension agency or a poultry club? One of them, at least, should be able to help you find a way to diagnose the problem if you lose anymore. Ahead of time, ask them how to preserve the bird, while awaiting the necropsy.

Mereck's, I hear is awful. I have had any that I buy as chicks, vaccinated at the hatchery. Not sure what I will do if I get some elsewhere. Something to think about.

 

[leesbunny]

I agree with having a necropsy done if you can . I do not think it is Mareks. I had that and they do not die suddenly.

 

[Overoberyl]

The Marek's vaccine does not prevent infection or create immunity to Marek's, it simply impedes the development of the tumors caused by the virus, thus making it more difficult to identify but no less insidious. If exposed vaccinated birds can still be infected and become carriers.

Hopefully this is not Marek's, but as was mentioned before the only way to know is by having a necropsy done....keep us posted.

 

[mychickenbrood]

Overoberly, Wow! I had no idea that the vaccine is not a prevention.

What breed of dog is the picture of the newborn pup?