HELP - nutritional deficiency?

[equus2]

Hi all - Back from being gone awhile!!

I've been working out of state for 3 months - my DH, thinking this was a good thing, mixed the hens feed 1/3 scratch, 2/3 layer mash. We do have some very large mixed breed hens, one of which has gone down on her legs - can't walk, but eats. I chalked it up to just being too large a bird.

We now have 2 of my very best silkies that have done the same. I found out today about his feed mix. Do you think this could be my problem?

And, what do should I feed these hens now? I found a "rickett's diet" (oats, yogurt, vitamins, calcium, etc)

Advice?

 

[horsejody]

I would add vitamins to the water, and feed no more scratch. I would also isolate the effected hens until they are recovered or culled. It may be a nutritional deficiency, or it may not. Are there any other syptoms? Are the legs paralysed or just weak?

 

[Smoky73]

I agree with Jody. For those three girls I would certianly isolate, and if you feel you can, syringe feed them some Polyvisol vitamins (Children's Liquid) a few times a day. Seeing that they are affected, make sure that they get an extra strong dose of vitamins is what I am thinking. But, certainly give every one vitamins in their water.

 

[sammi]

continue with the rickets diet..along with regular layer feed.

have they been wormed? if so, when? and what was used?
please describe the droppings..color and consistency..

check the feet and legs..
check the hip and leg joints for heat or swelling
check the feet for missing toenail
check the bottoms of the feet and between the toes for any lumps, sores, or scabs.

as to the Poly-vi-sol liquid baby vitamins..Enfamil brand if possible..no iron..
give 2-3 drops once a day for a week, tapering down for another week.
in the meantime, try and get some poultry vitamins..

are you sure she is eating and drinking?
put them in a safe, warm confined area with soft clean bedding..with food and water close, so they can get to it easily without competing with others..
and it wouldn't hurt to check the crops.

observe closely for any other symptoms..