Mentally Challenged Orpington Pullet

[Pigeony]

I hope somebody else can weigh in, because this situation sounds pretty urgent.

Do you have any chicken vitamins/electrolytes you can give or put in their water? A little support can go a long way.

Out of curiousity, have you been feeding them layer feed the whole time or have they recently switched off chick crumble? If it's been the whole time, they aren't getting enough protein and they're getting too much calcium.

 

[CrazyChickenLady35]

I hope somebody else can weigh in, because this situation sounds pretty urgent.

Do you have any chicken vitamins/electrolytes you can give or put in their water? A little support can go a long way.

Out of curiousity, have you been feeding them layer feed the whole time or have they recently switched off chick crumble? If it's been the whole time, they aren't getting enough protein and they're getting too much calcium.

We had them on the chick start and grow until like 3 ish weeks ago. I thought they were ready to move up to what the rest of them eat but maybe it was too soon?

 

[Pigeony]

We had them on the chick start and grow until like 3 ish weeks ago. I thought they were ready to move up to what the rest of them eat but maybe it was too soon?

If they were on chick starter that recently, I doubt that's your problem. Calcium takes time to build up, and this sudden and drastic of symptoms doesn't really fit. I really hope your pullet perks up, but if she passes, I strongly suggest you find a nearby lab willing to do a necropsy so you can know what's going on to prevent any further deaths.

 

[CrazyChickenLady35]

They're a little young for layer feed, the added calcium is unnecessary and a bit unhealthy for non-laying pullets, but I don't think it would be causing the health issues you're seeing. I do worry that you could be dealing with Marek's here, which is contagious, debilitating and often deadly.​

(sorry it's all bold, I did something to mess up the typing and can't figure out how to fix it)​

Oh God could it be Mareks?? I don’t know if theyre vaccinated against it i’m not even the one who bought them. What precautions should I take? We’ve never had this happen and know 2/5 chicks have issues so something is clearly wrong.

 

[CrazyChickenLady35]

I hope somebody else can weigh in, because this situation sounds pretty urgent.

Do you have any chicken vitamins/electrolytes you can give or put in their water? A little support can go a long way.

Out of curiousity, have you been feeding them layer feed the whole time or have they recently switched off chick crumble? If it's been the whole time, they aren't getting enough protein and they're getting too much calcium.

We also give them this sometimes but not regularly. Should I give it to them 24/7?

 

[Pigeony]

Oh God could it be Mareks?? I don’t know if theyre vaccinated against it i’m not even the one who bought them. What precautions should I take? We’ve never had this happen and know 2/5 chicks have issues so something is clearly wrong.

Unfortunately, if it is Marek's, there's no real precautions you can take once you have infected birds on your property. The vaccine doesn't prevent them from carrying Marek's, it's meant to prevent the formation of the tumors Marek's causes, and like almost any vaccine, it's not 100% effective. They can be vaccinated and still die from it. But it could be any number of things. It could even be coccidiosis, it doesn't always cause bloody poop.

 

[Pigeony]

We also give them this sometimes but not regularly. Should I give it to them 24/7?

I think that adding that regularly for the time being could be helpful, there's clearly something wrong here and whatever you can give them as supplemental support might help prevent further bird deaths. If it seems like you're past this and everyone is doing better, then you could just give it occasionally again.

 

[CrazyChickenLady35]

I think that adding that regularly for the time being could be helpful, there's clearly something wrong here and whatever you can give them as supplemental support might help prevent further bird deaths. If it seems like you're past this and everyone is doing better, then you could just give it occasionally again.

I separated her from the rest in case she’s contagious. I have to leave the house for a few hours now but I have a feeling by the time I get back she’ll be gone. I gave them the electrolyte packet with cold water and now I guess I just hope for the best.

 

[Pigeony]

I separated her from the rest in case she’s contagious. I have to leave the house for a few hours now but I have a feeling by the time I get back she’ll be gone. I gave them the electrolyte packet with cold water and now I guess I just hope for the best.

That poor pullet, I'm sorry you're having to deal with this and I hope your other birds stay healthy.

 

[CrazyChickenLady35]

she keeps getting small burst of energy, kicking, and fighting, and then calms down. Her eyes are open now she keeps opening and closing them. I’m trying to get her to drink more of this electrolyte stuff. She keeps going still, and then like pulling her neck back really and stretching out and kicking her legs a little bit and then she relaxes again. Are these symptoms of anything? heat exhaustion maybe?