lost 3 hens

[magpiesing]

I have lost 3 hens in two weeks.
They are about 2 yrs old.
They start by being lethargic sitting in a corner, act as though they forgot what to do, won't eat or drink. Poo is dark with yellow parts. After a couple of days the toes start to curl they can't stand properly. Within 3 to 4 days they die during the night. I've tried force feeding, use acv, tried egg, bread...have two more that I am worried about. Belly feels pretty normal, maybe a bit firm, feel no egg. Eyes and comb look normal.
AAny help would be appreciated.

 

[The Phantom]

Check for worms. Maybe try horse Panacure 1/4cc in the mouth. If it is worms. Otherwise have your vet look at them.

 

[Eggcessive]

What type of feed are you giving? Toe curling or lameness can be from a vitamin deficiency or possibly Mareks disease. Dehydration during hot weather could also be a problem. Since you have lost more than one, I would send one in for a necropsy by your state vet if you lose another, but be sure and refrigerate the body.

 

[Kiki]

Check for worms. Maybe try horse Panacure 1/4cc in the mouth. If it is worms. Otherwise have your vet look at them.

The correct dosing for Panacur is not 1/4cc
It is .23 ml or cc's per each pound of bird.

 

[magpiesing]

I wondered if worms could kill chickens. I've never wormed but have never seen worms in any poo. They free range 3 days a week, they eat layena layer pellets, plus a little scratch. I make veggie mix with all kinds of stuff, carrots, peas, green beans, corn. I have 28 chickens, including 2 roos. Some are molting but not ones that have died.

 

[magpiesing]

What type of feed are you giving? Toe curling or lameness can be from a vitamin deficiency or possibly Mareks disease. Dehydration during hot weather could also be a problem. Since you have lost more than one, I would send one in for a necropsy by your state vet if you lose another, but be sure and refrigerate the body.

Does it cost alot to have a necropsy done?

 

[Kiki]

Does it cost alot to have a necropsy done?

No....
Here is our state info for one:
https://tvmdl.tamu.edu/tests/necropsy-poultryhatchery/

 

[Kiki]

And yes worms can kill, but so can many other things.

I am sorry for your losses.
Can you possible take a short video of the ones you are worried about and upload it to youtube then post a link to the video here?


Any new birds brought in recently?

 

[magpiesing]

No...no new birds only those that hatched here. Been closed flock since mycoplasma 2 yrs ago. I'm in texas quite hot, 95 with heat index 103-107.
I have fans in the coops, lots of extra water, even a pool.
TThis latest hen....her abdomen is quite firm but not hard like an egg, also feels warm and us pink.
I'll try to get some pics.

 

[Kiki]

No...no new birds only those that hatched here. Been closed flock since mycoplasma 2 yrs ago. I'm in texas quite hot, 95 with heat index 103-107.
I have fans in the coops, lots of extra water, even a pool.
TThis latest hen....her abdomen is quite firm but not hard like an egg, also feels warm and us pink.
I'll try to get some pics.

When is the last time she laid an egg?
Could she be laying internally?