Listless with diarrhea

[Pampered Hen]

Polly, the 18 month old matriarch of the flock has been in a listless stage for about two weeks now. It began with her molt and I initially thought she was just grumpy because of her nakedness. I noticed though that she has diarrhea and also does not go for the feed (had switched back to grower ration to provide more protein for the molting girls) or the beloved scratch. She moves with the flock, and does appear to eat worms and vegetation. Her comb is paler than usual and she just isn't quite herself. The diarrhea concerns me. It is very watery, however not bloody.
I have considered coccidosis, but then I would have to assume that the whole flock should be affected.

Any input on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[OrpingtonManor]

Not likely to be coccidiosis because she is too old. What color is her poo?

 

[elmo]

Have you checked her crop? Is it empty in the morning?

Another thought, worms, maybe?

http://www.chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

 

[Pampered Hen]

Her diarrhea is sort of watery grey. I assume her crop to be empty in the morning. She is definitely not crop bound. I caught her today and was shocked to find her breast bone sticking out and her crop barely filled. She used to be a gluttonous girl with an ever full crop, now she has lost weight big time. I gave her some wet cat food which she took willingly but when I offered her more just before bedtime she was rather picky about it... very frustrating.
Any more suggestions?

 

[OrpingtonManor]

Here is a link to some pics of poo.

http://happyhenhouse.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=poop&action=display&thread=7588

 

[Pampered Hen]

Thanks Orpington Monitor!
Only chicken nerds like us can appreciate a database of chicky-pooh!
I did not see any worms, for other slimy things in Polly's poop. It does not mean that she has no intestinal parasites and I'm deliberating to wheter worm the whole flock before they go back into production. I have never done this before and am a bit hesitant.
Polly seemed a bit better this morning. She actually went for the grower crumbles and ate alon her flock mates, which I haven't seen in at least I a week. Her morning poop was nice and firm and I'm hopefull that she is on the way to recovery from whatever had befallen her.
If you have any advice what wormer is proven to work in chickens, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[tulie13]

I'm not a good source of worming info, but I noticed your post and it does sound like she's doing better. Just keep feeding her some high-protein and high-calorie treats, maybe some unflavored/plain yogurt for a good probiotic boost. If you have any chicken vitamins/electrolytes, that might help, too. Sounds like whatever it was, she's bouncing back from it. Keep an eye on her and give her some more goodies!

 

[OrpingtonManor]

I have not wormed my chickens yet, so hopefully someone else will come along to help here. Anyone?

 

[Pampered Hen]

Polly seems to be herself again! She even went for the scratch I scatter every morning. I have given them yogurt treats in the past and will do so again to help her gut flora get back into shape.
Thanks for your responses and I will investigate the worming issue.

 

[OrpingtonManor]

good to hear that she is doing better!