HELP!! Sick Chickens

[Hazyhens]

I have tried some of the scratch and peck feeds and do not like them. Mostly it is because they have whole grains and seeds, and most chickens will pick out the tasty parts first. That may leave the additives of vitamins and minerals, and some of the less desired seeds or grains. A homogenous crumble or pellet is the best way to guarantee that your chickens are getting a balanced diet.

Do any of the birds have an enlarged crop that is firm or puffy, after they have gone all night long without food or water? Could you check that in the morning? What are their droppings looking like, especially the ones you have lost? They are a bit old for coccidiosis, but I would be tempted to treat them with Corid anyway. Are their tails down or up? Down means a sick chicken, possibly suffering from a reproductive disorder or egg binding. But this sounds like something they ate or something contagious. I would be tempted to get a new bag of feed, and check the one you have again. Are they eating it well, or avoiding it? Consider getting a necropsy if you still have a body that can be sent in.

I checked the crop of the chicken who died today and it was full, I know for a fact she didn’t eat today because she stayed in the same spot all day until she passed. They were devouring the food up until the last few days now it’s hardly been touched. It’s hard to tell whose droppings are whose but I have noticed some with mucous and small amounts of blood.

 

[ChickNanny13]

2x @Eggcessive ... Same reason I feed crumble or pellets, and instead of stage/age feeding I feed Flock Raiser where any age, layers & Roos can eat. Also like the higher protein after reading about the "work/energy" it takes for a hen to lay and helpful when molt; feather is protein material.

 

[Eggcessive]

I checked the crop of the chicken who died today and it was full, I know for a fact she didn’t eat today because she stayed in the same spot all day until she passed. They were devouring the food up until the last few days now it’s hardly been touched. It’s hard to tell whose droppings are whose but I have noticed some with mucous and small amounts of blood.

If you have any pictures of droppings with blood, please post them. I would go ahead and start Corid just in case. Dosage is 2 tsp of the liquid or 1.5 tsp of the powder per gallon of water for 5-7 days.

 

[Hazyhens]

If you have any pictures of droppings with blood, please post them. I would go ahead and start Corid just in case. Dosage is 2 tsp of the liquid or 1.5 tsp of the powder per gallon of water for 5-7 days.

Corid was started and I dumped all the new feed that was in the feeder and refilled it with the old crumble. Almost all of the chickens came running to eat when I did that so I guess I will be giving away the new stuff

 

[2ndTink]

Corid was started and I dumped all the new feed that was in the feeder and refilled it with the old crumble. Almost all of the chickens came running to eat when I did that so I guess I will be giving away the new stuff

The worst ones you can give a dose of Corid full strength, I don't recall the dosage but it should pop up on BYC with a quick search. I really really hope this is the cure for your flock.

 

[Hazyhens]

The worst ones you can give a dose of Corid full strength, I don't recall the dosage but it should pop up on BYC with a quick search. I really really hope this is the cure for your flock.

I did that as well, I was able to get everyone except my Easter Egger Roo he’s being a booger. I really hope so too!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Corid was started and I dumped all the new feed that was in the feeder and refilled it with the old crumble. Almost all of the chickens came running to eat when I did that so I guess I will be giving away the new stuff

Don't give away the new stuff if your current birds won't eat it and they are sick and dying. Throw it out.

Make sure that your chickens have access to grit. Sometimes they may find suitable grit in the soil, but I like to make sure of it, so providing purchase Granite Grit is always a good idea. Just put it in a separate container inside the run.

Photos of poop, birds, housing, etc. are always helpful.

 

[Hazyhens]

Lost another one went out to check on them this morning and saw my buff Orpington hiding when I picked her up she threw up a copious amount of yellow fluid and then died

 

[FunClucks]

Lost another one went out to check on them this morning and saw my buff Orpington hiding when I picked her up she threw up a copious amount of yellow fluid and then died

Keep her body cold in the fridge or on ice, then send it in for a necropsy. That way you can get a firm answer on what's going on.

So sorry you lost your hen.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Lost another one went out to check on them this morning and saw my buff Orpington hiding when I picked her up she threw up a copious amount of yellow fluid and then died

This is a crop/digestive issue.

Check everyone's crop to see if they are emptying overnight. Check the crops first thing in the morning before they have had anything to eat/drink.

Provide plenty of fresh water and free choice fresh feed during waking hours. Poultry grit (crushed granite) needs to be available free choice as well.

Cut out giving any scraps, scratch, treats at this time until you get results back from the lab. They will give you information as to the cause of decline, then you can move forward making corrections or administering treatment(s) as needed.