helping hen heal after bout of coccidiosis

[crtrlovr]

Hey there! We see posts regarding chickens being too plump from eating too many treats, etc., but I need help witht the opposite end of the spectrum. I have an Australorp hen approx. 3 years old who just had a major bout of coccidiosis (apparently we have a BOATLOAD of it here, and I've mentioned in previous posts about keeping the whole flock on medicated chick starter on recommendation of a veterinarian). Apparently there's not enough amprolium in the chick starter to keep it in check, and last week I lost an OEGB BB red bantam roo of approx. 9 mos., an adult BO (same age as Australorp aka Mattie), and nearly lost Mattie to it. I got Sulmet and treated the entire flock including all the chickens, ducks, guineas, and the lone turkey. I kept Mattie in the house because this was when it was so bitterly cold (for here, anyway -- set a record low that week of -4 degrees). I put her back out with her flock buddies since it has warmed up considerably here. Her comb is still pale, but is pinking up a bit, and she is eating. However, she is FRIGHTFULLY thin. I've been giving her (and all the rest, but making sure she gets all she wants) scrambled eggs, cream cheese, and veggies. I have some yogurt and cottage cheese to give them tomorrow. Right now I have them on Purina Flock Raiser feed (either 20 or 22% protein; I can't remember exactly right now) with crushed oyster shell free choice. Started giving her PolyViSol sans iron today; I knew not to give it to her while she was on a coccidiostat. What else can I do to help her regain some muscle mass and energy? TIA for your responses.

 

[classicsredone]

I was going to suggest the yogurt, but it looks like you're on top of that. You can find shelled BOSS at feed or pet stores. (Even Walmart.) I wonder if they might take that if they aren't interested in regular seeds.

 

[crtrlovr]

I have BOSS in shell, but I'd forgotten I have some roasted, shelled (unsalted) sunflower kernels in a clear plastic tub that I'd gotten for my inside birds. I'll make sure she gets some of that in the morning! Thanks.

 

[Tinkspirit70]

I know alot people give scratch ( cracked corn) but I dont think it has any real nutritional benefits...but my girls love it and it's very fattening ;o) yummy!!

 

[dawg53]

Crtrlovr. I remember your post from before...regarding putting sand in their run I believe. I dont recommend adding scratch, low protein. Sounds like you're doing everything right to get them going again. You can give them poultry nutri drench, 1 drop orally per day for 3 consecutive days then stop...it can cause diarrhea. It's rich in vitamins and minerals. Try adding buttermilk instead of yogurt with the scrambled eggs and feed, a slurry...cottage cheese is great as well! The poultry nutri drench should be available at your feed store or TSC.

 

[RhodeIslandRedFan]

I agree that what you are already doing should get her back on her feet, just give it time. I had a hen who had drastic weight loss last fall, I think because of medication prescribed by a vet, that just didn't agree with her. It took weeks of TLC and giving her the kinds of foods you mention, but she has now put on some weight and just in the past couple of weeks her comb and wattles have begun to turn red again (YIPPEE!). I joked for weeks that I cooked better for my hen than I did for my husband. I would keep doing what you are doing. I think the warmer and longer days will help as well. Good luck to you and your hen!

 

[Judy]

Keep in mind that birds cannot digest lactose. I know people give milk products all the time, and actually a small amount of yogurt or buttermilk still provides some probiotics. But I wouldn't offer dairy to a chicken who's had this much of a shock to her digestive system. You can buy probiotics for animals in the feed store and for people in capsules in the drug store.

For her diet I believe I would try to keep it varied, make sure she does not get overloaded on any component such as protein or starch. I think people foods are a good idea, though, because chickens will eat anything. I suspect a fair amount of non-food stuff goes in when they forage, so I'd be filling her up with actual food. I'd probably give her a bite of my own meals for the variety and balance (there can be lots of protein on a steak bone after you're done, for example.) Break off a modest bite of your Big Mac before you eat. Like that.

On dairy:

http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/dairy.html

 

[crtrlovr]

thanks for the replies; I appreciate each response VERY much! I have never seen the poultry nutri-drench at either TSC or another independently owned farm supply store. I DO, however, have some packets of electrolyte-vitamin water soluble powder for chicks I got a while back (a couple of months ago) that I'd forgotten about until I saw it in a box on the counter last night. I'll bring her back inside and start her on it asap. As for scratch, I toss out a couple of scoops scattered well out over the run just to give them something to do. It doesn't make up much of their diet at all.