- Jan 20, 2011
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Hi there, this is my first time to post a question/thread here, and I know this subject has been done a million times, but I really am confused as to what my chickens may have. I noticed about 5 days ago that my white faced black spanish hen(who is a little over 1 year old and was vaccinated for Marek's) comb was very droopy. Then she started isolating herself from the rest of the chickens at night. She seemed to be eating and drinking ok, just seemed a little depressed. Then 2 days ago, she started stumbling all around the yard. She would try to run, but would fall over. Her neck also seemed to be able to turn all the way around(excorcist style). I separated her and tried giving her some antibiotics in her water and fresh food. I honestly don't think she is eating or drinking much, because there were not many droppings around her. Now today my gold laced wyandotte(also a little over a year, but not vaccinated) is exhibiting the same "drunken behavior" and stumbling all over the yard. I separated her as well. I was confused as to whether it was meraks(because of their ages, and the one being vaccinated) or botulism poisioning, because it has been very hot/humid and wet here, and I also saw my hens(I have about 20 + 2 roosters) fighting over a dead mouse about a week and a half ago. Also, my husband let the chickens wander into our outdoor building I usually keep shut, and I know I put down rat poison in there, but although not 100% sure, I don't believe they found any of that. They are free ranged, but it is a fairly small backyard, however they did have access to a garden area that was full of wet leaves and stuff we just tilled over for our garden. If anyone thinks they might know what this is, and how I can treat it, please let me know. I can not afford a visit to the vet. I am mostly concerned that the rest of my flock is going to sicken. Also, I guess I should mention that we have a farm in another location, and I recently brought 2 pullets aged about 6 months from there and integrated them into the rest of my flock here at home. We have not had anything like this in any of our chickens out in the other location. Also, I have been keeping chickens in this spot for 4 years, and never had this problem. Thank You
