layayayle
In the Brooder
- Jun 27, 2023
- 7
- 23
- 31
On 6/25, we added this cypress bark mulch blend to our chicken's run. It seemed like a great choice, but with the issues our flock has experienced shortly after adding it, I'm worried that the "blend" part may have something bad in it.
On 6/27, I checked on the hens to find Beaux (Ameraucana) lacking her normal interest in snacks, moving like she was drunk, and breathing like liquid was in her airway. We took her to our avian vet, where she stayed overnight to be monitored. On 6/28, we brought her home with 2 weeks' worth of antibiotics and breathing treatments. We asked the vet if she thought the new cypress bark was related, and she said maybe but it would be odd for the others not to show symptoms, too. So, we left the cypress bark in the run so as not to change too many variables at once, and so far, Beaux's breathing has been clearing up, and her energy levels are back up.
On 6/29, the heat wave made it to us here in Birmingham, AL. Yesterday was not as hot, and the hens did fine with frozen treats, frozen water bottles in their water, and their new shade cloths blocking the worst of the afternoon sun. Today, the high is 96, but it feels like 106, and Beaux (Ameraucana) and Entrapta (Rhode Island Red) are NOT doing great, while Ianthe and Coronabeth (Speckled Sussex) seem to be fairing better. Beaux and Entrapta were panting despite me adding a fan to their setup and misting them/the run enough to bring it down to ~90 degrees. Then, I saw Entrapta throw up (mostly liquid), which scared the heck out of me, so I moved all four hens into the garage and have them set up in there until it cools off later this evening. All four hens are alert, interested in treats/food, and not panting now that they're inside. Entrapta hasn't vomited again.
So, what the heck is going on here?! Or, more specifically:
On 6/27, I checked on the hens to find Beaux (Ameraucana) lacking her normal interest in snacks, moving like she was drunk, and breathing like liquid was in her airway. We took her to our avian vet, where she stayed overnight to be monitored. On 6/28, we brought her home with 2 weeks' worth of antibiotics and breathing treatments. We asked the vet if she thought the new cypress bark was related, and she said maybe but it would be odd for the others not to show symptoms, too. So, we left the cypress bark in the run so as not to change too many variables at once, and so far, Beaux's breathing has been clearing up, and her energy levels are back up.
On 6/29, the heat wave made it to us here in Birmingham, AL. Yesterday was not as hot, and the hens did fine with frozen treats, frozen water bottles in their water, and their new shade cloths blocking the worst of the afternoon sun. Today, the high is 96, but it feels like 106, and Beaux (Ameraucana) and Entrapta (Rhode Island Red) are NOT doing great, while Ianthe and Coronabeth (Speckled Sussex) seem to be fairing better. Beaux and Entrapta were panting despite me adding a fan to their setup and misting them/the run enough to bring it down to ~90 degrees. Then, I saw Entrapta throw up (mostly liquid), which scared the heck out of me, so I moved all four hens into the garage and have them set up in there until it cools off later this evening. All four hens are alert, interested in treats/food, and not panting now that they're inside. Entrapta hasn't vomited again.
So, what the heck is going on here?! Or, more specifically:
- Do y'all think cypress bark could be the underlying culprit for Beaux's respiratory illness or Entrapta's vomiting? Should we remove it, just in case?
- Has anyone used cypress bark or this brand specifically for their run flooring?
- Could Entrapta's vomiting be from gorging on frozen treats in an attempt to stay cool or otherwise heat related?
- Are Ameraucanas or Rhode Island Reds more sensitive to heat than Speckled Sussexes?
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