Lethargy and diarrhea

[WolF111]

I have a 1.5 years old hen who seems lethargic and has been passing very loose brownish poop. She eats and drinks well but usually sits around in some corner with her eyes closed. I checked her for mites and lice but she is fine. I have dewormed her using diatomaceous earth. What should I do to treat her??

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi,

Diatomaceous earth isn't going to deworm her if you think that's her issue. Don't get me wrong as I have used that stuff faithfully for over 20 years, but not for something like this.

My first step for one acting in this manner would be to put her on some probiotics. You can give her a tablespoon or two of yogurt, or they make powders for their water. I'd also put Poultry Cell or Nutri-Drench or similar vitamins in her water. If she does have worms, they're tapping her and a vitamin boost will help her.


Here's some deworming info I bookmarked.

Valbazen (albendazole) https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-for-poultry-waterfowl-and-game-birds.75490/
Valbazen dosing is by weight.
undiluted at a dose of 0.08ml per pound of weight, given orally once, then repeated in 10 days.

Safeguard (fenbendazole)

Where to get if not available locally.
Jedds or Twin City Poultry https://www.twincitypoultrysupplies.com/

 

[WolF111]

Hi,

Diatomaceous earth isn't going to deworm her if you think that's her issue. Don't get me wrong as I have used that stuff faithfully for over 20 years, but not for something like this.

My first step for one acting in this manner would be to put her on some probiotics. You can give her a tablespoon or two of yogurt, or they make powders for their water. I'd also put Poultry Cell or Nutri-Drench or similar vitamins in her water. If she does have worms, they're tapping her and a vitamin boost will help her.


Here's some deworming info I bookmarked.

Valbazen (albendazole) https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-for-poultry-waterfowl-and-game-birds.75490/
Valbazen dosing is by weight.
undiluted at a dose of 0.08ml per pound of weight, given orally once, then repeated in 10 days.

Safeguard (fenbendazole)

Where to get if not available locally.
Jedds or Twin City Poultry https://www.twincitypoultrysupplies.com/

Thank you so much
Gonna do it right away

 

[Eggcessive]

Does she have any signs that she might be molting? Is she low in pecking order or being bullied? Does she have any unusual walking or waddling? Have you seen any soft or unusual egg shells? Has she laid an egg recently?

 

[WolF111]

Does she have any signs that she might be molting? Is she low in pecking order or being bullied? Does she have any unusual walking or waddling? Have you seen any soft or unusual egg shells? Has she laid an egg recently?

She is actually the dominant one in the flock. She was laying regularly but haven't laid any egg in few days. I don't think she is molting. Only thing abnormal is the lethargy and loose stool.

 

[Eggcessive]

What has she been eating? I would keep her on a balanced chicken crumble or pellet feed, and offer some scrambled egg bits for a treat. Try a spoonful of Greek yogurt for probiotics or a tablespoonful of cottage cheese to try and firm up her droppings.

 

[WolF111]

What has she been eating? I would keep her on a balanced chicken crumble or pellet feed, and offer some scrambled egg bits for a treat. Try a spoonful of Greek yogurt for probiotics or a tablespoonful of cottage cheese to try and firm up her droppings.

Did that yesterday and there is a huge difference in her behaviour today. I'm soo happy. Thank you guys a lot.
I'm still keeping her on balanced diet for a few more days though.
Should I feed her more yogurt ??

 

[Eggcessive]

A tsp daily or every other day is plenty to provide probiotics. Most feed stores have probiotics, and many of today’s brand name feed contain them as well. Check your brand. Glad that she is improving.