Hoping for advice from more experienced chicken freaks..

[Roosters110]

I was gonna separate her because she acts hungry so I wasn’t sure whether or not she is not getting the right nutrients or what but after yesterday I think she’s just letting go.But none of my birds really seem to care for our crumbled which is odd because they use to love it.But,as far as the Eastr egger,the old hen,she loves ginger snaps which by the way lowers their stress,which she could use.

 

[Roosters110]

And she constantly follows humans which is so unormal because she isnt friendly like that usually,although a few years ago she surprised me by sitting in between my legs so maybe she is just going through a phase or her time is ending slowly

 

[Roosters110]

in fact she use to be a nut case I’m lost with her at this point

 

[Riche Bronson]

A few possible causes........first being a parasite load of some type.....worms being only of of many. Lice, mites, and other blood suckers may be pulling them down.

Where are they in relation to a molt? Few things more pathetic looking than birds in molt.

Yet another alternative to consider is they have become junk food junkies. Could it be they are filing up on the treats and goodies to the detriment of a balanced ration? I know mine would if I let em.

Not sure how I missed this comment yesterday! Sorry about that! No, no parasites- they look great, very clean and healthy, eating as much as ever, they’re just too thin. No one is molting... none of them ever really have gone into a full on molt- just the few feathers here and there- that look like they have old fashioned rollers in their “hair” haha! It’s got to be either intestinal parasites, or that the commercial feed just doesn’t fatten them up like bugs, lawn and garden does. They eat it hungrily, so they’re not treat spoiled- but they’re also very active. They run (wild and) free from dawn til dusk.

 

[theoldchick]

Kudos for the sharp eyes and sensitive fingers that know what is normal for your birds. As Chickens age they will go through changes just like people. Some old gals get reproductive problems-especially those turbo charged laying breeds that spit out nearly an egg a day. Just like a machine, parts that get worked hard wear out quicker. Some of these old gals develop certain types of cancer (chickens are often used in cancer research) that will make them lose weight. Some get peritonitis from internal laying (egg does not continue along the track like it should and ends up where it shouldn't) and will develop a doughy abdomen and a bony breast. Some will end up with kidney or liver problems that cause muscle loss. You will see more health issues in rare breeds as poor breeding practices creates inherited genetic issues.

Since you are not really into veterinarians, I'm not sure what advice I can give. Working as a LVT for 25 years, my advice will always be to get a veterinarian involved. I've seen a lot people waste a lot of money on stuff that don't work and ended up wishing they had spent money more effectively. Though I'm encouraging all backyard chicken owners to ask a vet for advice, I'm also encouraging the veterinary community to get involved with backyard chicken farmers. Remember, the veterinary community is very client oriented and when people start asking how to properly care for a backyard flock, the veterinary community will respond by expanding their knowledge.

Anyway, the most basic yet beneficial test you can do is have a fecal sample examined by a professional. I know you don't want to but this test can actually tell you what direction you need to go. The problem with holistic medicine is that some people will sell you anything and call it what they want. Since it's not a prescription drug, there are no forces regulating what is going in the product. We are all aware of the animal food industry putting questionable ingredients in their products. And as a horse owner I learned the hard way that all supplements are NOT equal. Some of the crap out there is simply dextrose with tree bark.

So, if you want to go holistic find you a holistic veterinarian that can supply you with products that are a safer than what you find elsewhere. Yes, there are holistic veterinarians out there. Just gotta find them.

Remember, backyard chicken medicine is relatively new and everybody is still learning. Never hurts to step outside your comfort zone in order to provide better care for your flock just as it never hurts a veterinarian to step outside their comfort zone to provide better care for their patient and client.

So, the most common reasons of weight loss in older birds are parasites, cancer, kidney liver issues and other various viral, bacterial,fungal diseases and diet. So many things can go wrong. So where do you start? With a trusted professional who knows your flock better than we do.

 

[Riche Bronson]

Here’s a pic of my VERY excited and energetic ladies this morning. It’s sunny here, after 2 weeks of bitter cold temps and sporadic days of being trapped in their coop because they won’t walk in the snow. They’re happy to see some sunshine. I’m hoping they find some plump delicious bugs and some green grass!

 

[Roosters110]

Here is the hen i was referring to early doesn’t look thin but she is,she just got down eating coconut oil.

 

[Riche Bronson]

Aw. Sweet girl! Did she enjoy the coconut oil? My girls love that and egg yolk when they’re under the weather. She’s lucky to have a human who cares for her so much!

 

[Roosters110]

Yes they all go crazy nuts over it hoping it might heal her because I do think it’s something other then the casual “Old age”.

 

[Riche Bronson]

Yes they all go crazy nuts over it hoping it might heal her because I do think it’s something other then the casual “Old age”.

Isn’t it awful when you just know something’s amiss, and you’re struggling to figure out what it is? I don’t know about you- but it drives me crazy. I obsess on it. I think I’m just going to have to do the vet route since I’ve exhausted all the the tricks I have up my sleeve, and any tricks anyone else has up theirs. I guess it’s time to worry about chemicals in my hens and eggs.. UGH! A trade off from worrying if they’re infested with worms. I’ll just be glad when we’re back to smooth sailing and not trading one worry for another!!! They’ve been so easy up to this point- I’m ready for some more of that!