Help!! Stumbling, stunted growth, lethargy

[Gab2378]

Help please! I bought 20 day old chickens from Hoovers Hatchery beginning of February. We have no other chickens nor have any chickens ever been on the property. 2 chickens have already passed. Now 17 of the 18 remaining are showing symptoms. The 6 week old chickens are stumbling, falling over, some have ruffled feathers and droopy wings. Their growth also appears to be stunted. All are eating/ drinking from the best I can tell. Symptoms started when they were 4 weeks and are progressively getting worse. Now there are 2 or 3 that have started sneezing. I’ve tried electrolytes in their water and it has not helped. They are eating Nature Wise chick starter/ grower. They are not vaccinated (was not an option). Any ideas on how to help them or what it could be?

 

[MarlaMac]

Help please! I bought 20 day old chickens from Hoovers Hatchery beginning of February. We have no other chickens nor have any chickens ever been on the property. 2 chickens have already passed. Now 17 of the 18 remaining are showing symptoms. The 6 week old chickens are stumbling, falling over, some have ruffled feathers and droopy wings. Their growth also appears to be stunted. All are eating/ drinking from the best I can tell. Symptoms started when they were 4 weeks and are progressively getting worse. Now there are 2 or 3 that have started sneezing. I’ve tried electrolytes in their water and it has not helped. They are eating Nature Wise chick starter/ grower. They are not vaccinated (was not an option). Any ideas on how to help them or what it could be?

What does their poop look like?

Have you considered treating for coccidiosis?

You treat with Corid that you can buy at tractor supply.

Coccidiosis in Chickens is a common and potentially deadly parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria. These microscopic parasites infect the intestinal tract, damaging the gut lining and impairing nutrient absorption, leading to poor growth, weight loss, and in severe cases, death. The disease primarily affects young chicks (3–6 weeks old) whose immune systems are still developing, though older birds can also be affected, especially if immunosuppressed.

Causes and Transmission​

• Causative Agents: Nine species of Eimeria affect chickens, with E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. maxima, E. acervulina, and E. brunetti being the most pathogenic. Each species targets a specific region of the intestine.
• Transmission: Infection occurs when chickens ingest sporulated oocysts (parasite eggs) from contaminated feces, feed, water, or bedding. Oocysts require 1–2 days to sporulate under warm (70–90°F), moist conditions and can survive for up to a year in the environment.

Early Signs and Symptoms​

• Lethargy and ruffled feathers
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Pale combs and wattles (sign of anemia)
• Diarrhea, which may be watery, mucoid (clear to bright orange), or contain blood
• Dehydration and depression
• In severe cases, high mortality, especially with E. tenella (caecum) or E. necatrix (small intestine) infections.

 

[MarlaMac]

What does their poop look like?

Have you considered treating for coccidiosis?

You treat with Corid that you can buy at tractor supply.

Coccidiosis in Chickens is a common and potentially deadly parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria. These microscopic parasites infect the intestinal tract, damaging the gut lining and impairing nutrient absorption, leading to poor growth, weight loss, and in severe cases, death. The disease primarily affects young chicks (3–6 weeks old) whose immune systems are still developing, though older birds can also be affected, especially if immunosuppressed.

Causes and Transmission​

• Causative Agents: Nine species of Eimeria affect chickens, with E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. maxima, E. acervulina, and E. brunetti being the most pathogenic. Each species targets a specific region of the intestine.
• Transmission: Infection occurs when chickens ingest sporulated oocysts (parasite eggs) from contaminated feces, feed, water, or bedding. Oocysts require 1–2 days to sporulate under warm (70–90°F), moist conditions and can survive for up to a year in the environment.

Early Signs and Symptoms​

• Lethargy and ruffled feathers
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Pale combs and wattles (sign of anemia)
• Diarrhea, which may be watery, mucoid (clear to bright orange), or contain blood
• Dehydration and depression
• In severe cases, high mortality, especially with E. tenella (caecum) or E. necatrix (small intestine) infections.

Corid is available in both liquid and powdered forms.

The protocol for the liquid is as follows.

2 tsp of corid per gallon of water for five days. This needs to be their only source of water, made fresh daily.

7 days off, then

tsp of corid per gallon of water for five days. This needs to be their only source of water, made fresh daily.

After treatment, you can offer vitamins, but their feed should be enough to restore all the vitamins they need.