Molting and Sick?

[azygous]

During molt, I give the entire flock high grade animal protein once a week or so. I give them canned mackerel and meal worms and BOSS. I sell their eggs, so they only get an egg if they are sick from an infection. But eggs and yogurt and tofu are all protein treats that can help molting chickens hang in there and maintain their health and vigor during molt.

 

[RebeccaS2010]

She just had 2 completely formed dark brown poops! Is it strange that I am excited about poop? Hahaha

I looked up this thread just because I wanted to know if Sue was doing well! Glad she is looking better!

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I looked up this thread just because I wanted to know if Sue was doing well! Glad she is looking better!

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Thank you so much. That was so kind of you. She was doing well today being back with her flock. She isn't eating as much but she's eating more than she did yesterday. I've got her sleeping in a wire dog crate in my shop overnight so I can keep an eye on her, her crop and her poops.
Thanks again for your kind words and concern for my sweet Sue

 

[HeatherKellyB]

So, I've got Sue inside again tonight. I'm going to heat her some boiled egg and mix in Purina Flock Raiser, sunflower seed hearts, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, and salmon. Does this sound OK? She is still not back to herself and although my other BR had a hard molt that left her feeling bad for about a week, I'm just worried. My SLWyandotte, Izzy is also having a tough time but she seems to be holding her own. Both girls will puff up throughout the day but neither will stay this way all day. I should mention that we're experiencing a really cold snap, for us. I know that temps in the 20°F's isn't anything to many folks but it's our first time dipping below 30°F all season. Plus it's been warm off and on.
Two days ago I discovered this poop in their coop.

I don't know who it came from or if it was expelled on Sunday or Monday. Everyone was acting fairly well yesterday (last night is when the cold moved in) so I just kept the pictures on my phone and took a mental note. These girls haven't been laying for a while now. It's been at the very least, a few weeks, possibly more, since I've got an egg from them.
Should I bring Izzy in with Sue to get a protein packed dinner and watch them both overnight? Mix in OS in their snack? Give them calcium citrate +vit D? Vent checks? I'm not opposed to giving antibiotics if needed.
@azygous
@Wyorp Rock
@aart
@Eggcessive

 

[HeatherKellyB]

 

[azygous]

The plan to bring in both girls to special feed and keep an eye on them is a good plan. As for the "menu", it might be a better idea not to mix everything together. Do offer a couple of items to them at a time, and let them decide what they feel like eating. If they display reasonable appetites, later give them a few more choices. Sick chickens seem to instinctively know what they need to eat and what they don't need at this time. Mixing it all together makes this difficult for them.

As for the oyster shell and calcium and antibiotics, I see no reason to feed any of those. Do offer grit, though.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

The plan to bring in both girls to special feed and keep an eye on them is a good plan. As for the "menu", it might be a better idea not to mix everything together. Do offer a couple of items to them at a time, and let them decide what they feel like eating. If they display reasonable appetites, later give them a few more choices. Sick chickens seem to instinctively know what they need to eat and what they don't need at this time. Mixing it all together makes this difficult for them.

As for the oyster shell and calcium and antibiotics, I see no reason to feed any of those. Do offer grit, though.

Thank you so much. Do you see what appears to possibly be egg contents in their stool? I really hope that I'm wrong. Again, I appreciate you and your time so much

 

[aart]

Personally, I'd just stick to the FR and plain water.
That's the best way to assess the poops, IMO.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Personally, I'd just stick to the FR and plain water.
That's the best way to assess the poops, IMO.

I didn't think of that. I was hoping to give them a protein boost and I know that Sue hasn't ate much at all today, by looking at her poops. They look much like they did the last time I brought her inside. I'll try that first and add the egg if they won't eat that. Thank you so much @aart. I really appreciate your time and help

 

[azygous]

What is their behavior like? Do you notice any vent swelling or discharge? Are their vents pulsating? Try pushing against the vent with a damp paper towel and see what they do.

Barring behavior such as squatting, nest sitting for extended periods, I don't see anything to suggest egg binding.