Ms Purdy Needs Your Help Please

[heritagebirds]

So glad to hear the she might be even a slight bit better...

 

[Jenski]

From my own experience, I would not start medications unless I had a pretty reasonable diagnosis. Sulmet for coccidiosis is hard on their systems. Without bloody poop or a microscopic confirmation of cocci, there is no real reason to put your birds through that.

Since the issue is on your mind, now is a good time to ensure you are stocked up on your preferred meds for this, though - - if the time for coccidiosis arrives in your pen, time is of the essence. In my own cabinet I keep Amprolium (Corid) as a first defense for this, and Sulmet behind it as a backup if the Amprol fails.


Can you post a pic of your hen - - her face, one of body and perhaps one of her behind if she's still not her perky self tomorrow?

 

[JP33]

Thanks for the kind thoughts Melissa!

Jenski, I will take pics of her tomorrow. I have a feeling she will be about the same, but it would be wonderful if things are different and she's Ms Purdy again. Thanks for your help!


...JP

 

[JP33]

She is the same today. I have some pictures of her & a few of fresh droppings (for your viewing pleasure). The droppings are watery & almost transparent.

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/pyxicephalus/January112010?authkey=Gv1sRgCLnquIKy7-3EuwE#

I examined her and felt nothing out of the ordinary IMO.

Unless you kind folks can tell me otherwise I'm starting to think the Sulmet might not be a bad idea.

Perplexed and awaiting your feedback.

Thanks!


...JP

 

[emys]

Looks like egg white off to the right hand side of the (really clear by the way) droppings shot...

 

[JP33]

Quote:
Her stools have been a mix of normal green to almost clear/white & runny stools for the last 3 days.


...JP

 

[emys]

She looks no worse than she did a few days ago. I too would hesitate on the medication.

She still may just be having really odd hormone shifts.

Feeding calcium rich greens (broccoli, kale, collards) may help her out - and will certainly do no harm. Does she have access to oyster shell? Put a bowl of that in the pen - others will ignore it if they don't need it. Or crush up a tums in water packed sardines for her (bones and all).

 

[heritagebirds]

She doesn't look happy, a little poofy, but not too droopy. I hope she comes out of it. At least her eyes look good!

We lost a duck last night, he's been not quite right and looked better last night, poor thing. If I would've known I would have found a warmer place to put him for the night...

 

[Wynette]

JP - I have a few concerns. I honestly do not think this is due to her getting ready to lay a first egg. You mentioned early on in your thread that you heard a bit of wheeziness when she breathed. Chickens are extremely susceptible to respiratory issues, and I'm wondering if that's what is going on. She doesn't sound like she has a very good appetite, and from the looks of her poops, it doens't appear she's getting enough to eat.

It would be impossible to know exactly what's causing her to not feel well, but from the pics of her, she does appear to be under the weather. A few comments and suggestions: remember that birds will die most quickly from dehydration, then lack of nutrition. So, my suggestion would be to remove her and bring her in. Bringing her in for a day and then back out isn't going to help - you REALLY need to monitor her closely and know how much she's eating and pooping. That's imperative. I use a large plastic dog crate, which works great. They cannot get out, it has excellent ventilation, and you can get inexpensive cups that hang on the front of the cage for feeding in the bird section of your local pet store. If she turns her beak up at her regular feed, dry chopping some tomatoes if you have them at your grocery - chop in small bits, and mix them in with her feed. The red color should attract her to the feed, and the acidity of the tomatoes will help with gut issues - especially if she's got pieces of styrofoam stuck in her system. Mix with yogurt (all-natural, non-fat) for good gut bacteria.

DO NOT give her Sulmet - that's for coddidiosis, which she does not have (per her poop & per your descriptions). I'm a big believer in no antibiotics unless absolutely necessary, but you have to make that decicion. I would add a pinch of electrolytes/vitamins to her water, but only give for a few days (no more than 3 days in a row - electrolytes can be harmful for more than 3 days in a row).

If you can get ahold of a better cage so that she cannot get out, that would be idea. Keep her warm and dry, and monitor, monitor, monitor! Don't take her back out until she's completely back to normal; you could be taking a step forward, and then two steps back by going back & forth with her.

Also, if you feel she's definitely not eating enough, pick up some baby bird handfeeding formula (most pet stores have it in the bird aisle). It's for hand feeding baby parrots, and it's a powder that you add water to. If she's eating at all, mix some of the baby bird handfeeding formula in with the tomatoes and yogurt. It's loaded with protein & vitamins that are excellent for chickens that are nutritionally lacking. Plus, they do seem to like it.

I think a good plan of attack would be to first get her to eat as much as you can, and drink plenty, as well. Really listen to her breathing, too. If she's rattling/wheezing (this is called "rales") there could be a more major, underlying issue. Please keep us posted!

 

[JP33]

Quote:
They free range most of the day, albeit they have killed just about everything green in the yard by now.

I do give them clover I gather every day from my area, a good bit too. Yesterday I gave them spinach, carrot tops, cabbage & some type of fancy lettuce, all from my Dad's garden.

Today more spinach.

Their regular food is purina laying mash.


...JP