My flock consists of four bantam Cochins that are nearing five years old, plus four additional bantams (one other Cochin and three of different breeds—a Phoenix, Seabright and Barred Rock) added early September 2024 when they were around 12 weeks old (they'll be roughly two this June-ish). They get along well, have enough space in the enclosed 5x18 run and condo-style coop that is raised with a pull-out tray that gets lined daily with fresh newspapers.
There's been no bullying that caused injury and no known illness. They are all active, eating, drinking and have normal behavior. Some of them just recently started laying again after their winter break. There has been no blood on any of the eggs. However, for four mornings in a row now there has been one somewhat loose stool with blood on the tray inside the coop (sorry, no photos yet, but if it occurs again tomorrow I'll take a picture and post it). No clue who it is coming from.
The four older girls can be handled easily and have been checked. No evidence of issues around their vents or anywhere else whatsoever. The younger Cochin can also be handled and has no visible sign of blood. The other three seem to be more skittish and would have to be checked after dark, which would be difficult, but possible if necessary. Last year before they stopped laying for the winter the Phoenix had weak shells and occasionally no shell, but she's one that's already been laying again and her eggs have been normal now. None of the other three younger birds has visible signs of blood from observation, but the tail feathers on the Phoenix make it nearly impossible to view her vent area from a distance because they hang down over her back end. Since she's laying normally, it seems doubtful it could be her having the issue?
I've read many of the postings and responses in the forum regarding blood in the stool and don't think it's likely the Cocci. They've never had an issue with mites or worms. They're eating the same foods they've had all along; quality organic and getting Nutri-Balance along with their layer feed, plus fresh greens several days a week and treats on Sunday. Would prefer to observe and give them pumpkin seeds as which if I understand correctly is good for de-worming animals instead of using chemicals, but don't know how many seeds per day each would be appropriate. If anyone knows, please post a reply. Are there any other recommendations given this specific circumstance described? Thanks for your help!
There's been no bullying that caused injury and no known illness. They are all active, eating, drinking and have normal behavior. Some of them just recently started laying again after their winter break. There has been no blood on any of the eggs. However, for four mornings in a row now there has been one somewhat loose stool with blood on the tray inside the coop (sorry, no photos yet, but if it occurs again tomorrow I'll take a picture and post it). No clue who it is coming from.
The four older girls can be handled easily and have been checked. No evidence of issues around their vents or anywhere else whatsoever. The younger Cochin can also be handled and has no visible sign of blood. The other three seem to be more skittish and would have to be checked after dark, which would be difficult, but possible if necessary. Last year before they stopped laying for the winter the Phoenix had weak shells and occasionally no shell, but she's one that's already been laying again and her eggs have been normal now. None of the other three younger birds has visible signs of blood from observation, but the tail feathers on the Phoenix make it nearly impossible to view her vent area from a distance because they hang down over her back end. Since she's laying normally, it seems doubtful it could be her having the issue?
I've read many of the postings and responses in the forum regarding blood in the stool and don't think it's likely the Cocci. They've never had an issue with mites or worms. They're eating the same foods they've had all along; quality organic and getting Nutri-Balance along with their layer feed, plus fresh greens several days a week and treats on Sunday. Would prefer to observe and give them pumpkin seeds as which if I understand correctly is good for de-worming animals instead of using chemicals, but don't know how many seeds per day each would be appropriate. If anyone knows, please post a reply. Are there any other recommendations given this specific circumstance described? Thanks for your help!
