Listless Chicken

[Kitana724]

Hello all. Hoping you can help. Here is the info I have:

1) Buff Orphington hen about 9 months old
2) Noticed her not moving around as much. Showing less interest in treats and going outdoors. I caught her losing her footing like she was dizzy just standing still. She does not feel thinner than others. I will check tomorrow if her crop is still full in the morning.
3) I noticed it for the first time today.
4) No other birds are exhibiting any other symptoms.
5) There are not signs of trauma other than feather pecking (which is happening in the whole flock). I am attempting to curb that issue by adding black oil sunflower seeds to their diet.
6) No idea what caused the situation.
7) The bird has been drinking. Little interest in food or treats.
8) Stool looks runny and some blood (see photo attached)
9) I brought her inside to warm up and she drank a lot of water laced with VetRx for chickens (thought she has no signs of respiratory distress). She began to fall asleep inside. I brought her back outside and she promptly went to sleep on the roosts with the other chickens.
10 ) I'd hope to be able to treat this myself and not bring her to a vet.
11) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.
12) She is one hen in a flock of 24 all the same age, but mixed breeds (BO, BR, GC, RIR). They are in a 12x6 coops with multiple layers and roosts. Using sand for bedding and nesting box pads in the boxes. It has been snowing so they have access to a large outdoor run but have not gone out in the snow, so they have remained inside.

I have noticed that the water source they have is open and gets dirty often. I have been changing it every other day, but can now clean it every day as I am off of work for a while.

I am also in my first trimester of pregnancy. I have been wearing a mask and gloves while cleaning the coop and handling the sick bird (and the VetRx treatment). I would prefer suggestions for interventions that would not put me or baby at risk. If I have to choose between keeping my baby healthy and a treating a sick chicken, baby wins out.

Thank you all for your suggestions in advance.

 

[azygous]

I would treat for coccidiosis immediately. Amprolium under the label Corid is found in all feed stores. You will see two dosing recommendations. You want to go with the treatment, not the preventative. Dosage is 1 1/2 tsp of the Corid powder, or 2tsp of the liquid added to each gallon of water for 5-7 days.

Your pullet has all the symptoms including blood in the stool. The entire flock should be treated. Unsanitary conditions can lead to an overload of these parasites which are normally everywhere. You could use some help, sounds like. Can friends or neighbors lend a hand?

 

[Kitana724]

Thank you.

That was my initial thought after internet research. The corid powder at tractor supply looked like it was specific to calves. Is that okay for use with chickens?

 

[azygous]

Yes, chickens get to use it, too!

 

[Athena2344]

Most Definantly, try to get a hold on this quick before it spreads, but keeping you and baby safe is just as important

 

[Kitana724]

Thank you all for your replies.

This is the corid powder sold at my tractor supply. Will this be sufficient? Is it appropriate for my flock?

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...vrrp=0519_5_0/reviews/product/2/103328499.htm

 

[Saaniya]

Sad to hear about ur hen..
Its a clear case of coccidiosis to me by looking her runny poo with lots of water (indications that she is not eating ) ..
I encountered with coccidiosis with my rooster in his 16th week I use
Trimethoprim/Sulfadiazine Solution Called "biotrim Oral" 1 Ml In 2Ltr water give that medicated water continuously ..after 4-5 dose blood will disappeared and chicken will get back on food ...

U can use Corid too .but I use Sulfadiazine as it treat the secondary infection caused by coccidia protonza that's "Enteritis" mostly comes hand in hand with cocci ..
Stop any other medication with cocci treatment + stop vitamins especially b vitamins

Hope ur girl will fine ..don't worry humans can't get cocci from chickens

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree with treating with Corid for the bloody stools. I used to spread some sunflower seeds in my bedding to get them to scratch it around. One hen died after being sick for a day or two, and afterward, I opened her up for a necropsy. She had eaten so many SF seeds, that the shells had blocked her gizzard, even though she had grit available. I hope your hen gets better.

 

[azygous]

Thank you all for your replies.

This is the corid powder sold at my tractor supply. Will this be sufficient? Is it appropriate for my flock?

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...vrrp=0519_5_0/reviews/product/2/103328499.htm

Yes. Corid powder is fine. Mix it at 1 1/2 teaspoons to one gallon of water. Take out enough for the sick hen and give the rest to the flock. Mix it up fresh each day for a full week. You will need to then repeat it after one week following the end of the first treatment.

 

[Kitana724]

First treatment of corid is in the coop. The other hens seem fine. Still laying, still active.

I separated the sick hen. She ate some bread I put out for her, which was a good sign. But she hasn't touched the treated water I put in with her. I did drench some bread in it and she ate that, so she at least got some. Hopefully over time she will drink more. She isn't looking great.

Thank you all for your help.