Help Chickens dying!

[RiverStorm]

Last week we bought a new chicken feed that TSC had on sale. It was a Purina brand. Then two days ago we woke up and found three chicks dead. All our chicks are between 3 and 4 months old. The first thing we did was to remove the largest three hens (they have been integrated for about two weeks with no problems) from the coop just in case. Several other chicks were acting ill that morning. They were lethargic and messy poop on their butts.

This morning when we came out, three more chicks were dead. Two are still a little lethargic, but seem better than yesterday. We let all the chickens out of the coop and are getting ready to do a thorough cleaning on the coop.

We have lost 2 buff orpingtons, 3 cochins and 1 white rock. One more orpington and a easter egger are still not feeling well. The odd thing is that all 3 of our tiny bantam D'uccles are doing fine. Does anyone know what is going on?

 

[DakotaDreamer]

Check for mites/lice. What type of feed are you giving them(e.g. layer, grower,finisher, etc)? What is the protein content? Any other signs besides for lethargy and messy butts?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

What was the date on your feed?

Does it smell moldy or rancid?

 

[RiverStorm]

They have no mites/lice. Purina crumble feed for laying chickens. The protein content is 16%. No other signs. they are 16 weeks old.

 

[cow whisperer]

It sounds to me that it's the feed itself. I've purchased feed from TSC before and didn't like the way it smelled so I refuse to but it from there anymore.

 

[RiverStorm]

What was the date on your feed?

Does it smell moldy or rancid?

It does not smell bad but I did notice some clumps in the feed when I checked it earlier. their is no EXP.

 

[RiverStorm]

It sounds to me that it's the feed itself. I've purchased feed from TSC before and didn't like the way it smelled so I refuse to but it from there anymore.

We have decided that this is the last straw. We had a bad experience purchasing chicks from there before too. Will be going to a mom and pop feed store in town from now on.

 

[cow whisperer]

I would get a hold of TSC and Purina to find out if there was a recall on that brand of food.

 

[RiverStorm]

I would get a hold of TSC and Purina to find out if there was a recall on that brand of food.

we will do that.

 

[cow whisperer]

I now get both the cow feed and the chicken feed from a feed store named McDowell and Walker. I've also been known to get it from another feed store called Lutz's. I'm not sure what state you live in but I'm pretty positive you can find better quality feed from somewhere else.