Jack white silkie is ill

[jag1876]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice, my white silkie age 2 yrs is lethargic, head drooped, watery poo and off her food.
I have dusted her with red mite powder, added cider vinegar to her water, tried to feed her some vermxx pellets and fully cleaned/sprayed her coop.
She is worse today, very worried.
thank you,
vicky

 

[Eggcessive]

Have you seen evidence of mites on her? Offer her some water with a pinch of salt and a teaspoonful of sugar per liter, or some poultry electrolytes. Give her some chopped bits of egg, and add some water and yogurt to her feed to liquify it. Most chickens go for those.
Does she lay eggs regularly? Intestinal infections such as coccidiosis , as well as egg yolk peritonitis infection can cause those symptoms. Unfortunately with chickens, unless they are seen by a vet, we have to rule out several things. Has she lost weight through her breast bone area, or does she have any swelling of her lower belly? Does her crop empty overnight, or is it hard or puffy?

 

[jag1876]

Thank you for your quick reply, I have managed to catch her which is also not like her unless she is laying!
She has spells of laying between being broody.
She hasn't laid for a couple of weeks but that's normal for her after a spell of being broody.
She hasn't shown any signs prior to this that she was going to lay. She makes it quite obvious!
I can't see mites on her. She has slightly scaley legs.
Her lower abdomen is firm but I'm not sure what he's normal is as I've never had a good feel before.
Her vent looks clean although feather are stained.
She looks depressed, lethargic and weak.

 

[Eggcessive]

Worming her could help, but if you can get some of her droppings checked for coccidiosis and worms, that may put you on the right track. Flubenvet is very good, and levamisole is also commonly used in the UK. Coccidiosis is treated with amprollium or coxoid. Sulfa antibiotics can also be used. Those may not be available without consulting a vet.

 

[jag1876]

Thank you
Can the droppings be inspected under a magnifying glass or does it require a lab test?
She seemed a bit unsteady on her feet before she went to bed. I managed to give her 2 drops of vitamins, 2 drops of vit e and a very small amount of yoghurt before she went to bed.

 

[Eggcessive]

Coccidia or worm eggs cannot be seen without a microscope. Some worms such as large roundworms and capiillary worms can be seen, while others may be hard to see without a microscope. They don't always shed worms even if they have an infestation. Most people who are going to worm, will do so about twice a year in spring and fall, and more often in tropical climates.

 

[cheep82]

For eggs especially coccidia definitely a microscope needed. Coccidia you usually see under 10x on the scope. Its very easy for a vet to look at if infestation is large enough. Maybe they could do a zinc float for accuracy.

 

[jag1876]

hi, thanks for your reply.
I have had jack at the vet (thurs).
The vet said he thought nature would take its course and she most likly wont make it but gave her synulox in the hope she might just get through. His diagnosis was unknown bacterial infection of digestive system
She is still alive now, (Monday) doesn't seem to be suffering but she cant walk without falling over
otherwise she is brighter.
Any suggestions very greatfully recieved

 

[Eggcessive]

That is similar to clavamox, I believe. it will help treat enteritis, an infection of the intestines, in some cases. Try giving her soft chopped egg, tuna, and add water and plain yogurt (for probiotics) to her feed--anything to get her to drink and eat. Let us know how she gets along.

 

[jag1876]

Hi, thank you all again for your help.
Jack has now been in the house with me since Thursday, she seemed to be doing well but yesterday afternoon she took a turn for the worse.
She is going to see Henry the vet this afternoon (what a lovely man, for anyone in who lives in Scotland I highly recommended him).
Unfortunately I fear the worst.
Again, thank you for your advice,
Vicky