Lost 3 chickens in 10 days.

[ButtersMama]

I thought that the first chicken was egg bound. We tried to help her with the warm bath and calcium. We noticed two more chickens were lethargic after the first one died. Now they died. What could it be? What should we do? I have 4 left. They are three yrs old.

 

[nuthatched]

What breeds, what is their diet and what's their coop like?

 

[Lor]

Any other noticeable symptoms?

 

[Sara S]

@Wyorp Rock @azygous @Eggcessive they’re helpful!

 

[ButtersMama]

Any other noticeable symptoms?

Unfortunately we had a death in our family and haven’t been able to be attentive over the last several days and noticed only lethargy.

 

[azygous]

When more than one chicken becomes sick, and multiple deaths occur relatively soon afterward, it narrows down the possibilities.

One of the most common causes of sudden illness affecting multiple individuals in a flock is cocciiosis, and if you are in the northern hemisphere, springtime is a period when it often strikes.

That would be the first thing I suggest treating for. Depending on where you live in the world, it will be either easy or a challenge finding the proper medication.

The second most common possibility is heavy worm load, also a spring time risk. I suggest treating for worms at the same time you treat for coccidiosis. It requires a worming medicine. Again, where you live will determine how easy it will be to find this med.

 

[ButtersMama]

When more than one chicken becomes sick, and multiple deaths occur relatively soon afterward, it narrows down the possibilities.

One of the most common causes of sudden illness affecting multiple individuals in a flock is cocciiosis, and if you are in the northern hemisphere, springtime is a period when it often strikes.

That would be the first thing I suggest treating for. Depending on where you live in the world, it will be either easy or a challenge finding the proper medication.

The second most common possibility is heavy worm load, also a spring time risk. I suggest treating for worms at the same time you treat for coccidiosis. It requires a worming medicine. Again, where you live will determine how easy it will be to find this med.

I am in southeast Michigan. I found online there is avian flu in my county. I notice sparrows do get in the coop and eat their feed. The meds mentioned above available at tractor supply? Thanks so much for your response.

 

[azygous]

Yes, TSC should have Corid. They can get it for you or tell you which other TSC outlet has it in stock. Get a tube of Safeguard while your are at it.

If you have any obviously sick chickens, they would benefit from the drench dose of Corid along with the normal Corid water. You can also worm at the same time to make it easier.

 

[ButtersMama]

What breeds, what is their diet and what's their coop like?

Speckled Sussex and Wyandotte. They eat purina chicken pellets and grass bugs. Their coop is above ground/ramp w wood shavings with attached run with dirt. I’ve kept chickens for about 12 yrs. This has never happened.