Multiple Hens Limping

[Bigfishbobby]

This has been our feed. Starter while inside for the first 8-10 weeks. Then on to the Rural King layer crumbles, which has now been changed to the Nutrena pellets in the last picture.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

New symptom alert @Eggcessive. The Wyandotte has a bunch of feathers missing off the back and front of her neck now. I can’t get a good pic because I’m by myself but will a little bit later.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

Another clue…finding a lot of black droppings.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

Inspecting the whole flock for signs now. This is the Wyandotte feather loss.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

And we saw this on another one in the flock as well….

 

[Eggcessive]

The Wyandotte looks to be molting since she has some new feather shafts coming in. Or she could be growing back feathers she lost. The black mark on the comb is probably a peck wound. The feet do have a greenish hue in the picture, but it may be the light. I would stop the layer feed now, and let everyone have an all flock feed. The pullets are still too young for that much calcium. When they are 20 weeks old, you could start it back or keep them on all flock from then on. You will need to put out some crushed oyster shell for the ones laying to take as they need it. Continue the B complex for now.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

Will do. We have never had a molting chicken since we are new to this and the hens are all young. There were feathers everywhere in the coop this afternoon. All of the feather thing happened today. Is that normal? We deep cleaned everything today and sprayed feet and vents with liquid permectrin II and also put powder form of it in the coop and run. Maybe an overreaction, but we are trying everything to stop the rotation of death.

 

[Eggcessive]

Chickens usually don’t have a big molt until they are around 16-18 months old, but they can have mini-molts under a year. Stress can also cause a molt.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

Chickens usually don’t have a big molt until they are around 16-18 months old, but they can have mini-molts under a year. Stress can also cause a molt.

Thank you for your help. She is also the one limping. I’m not sure if these things can be related but I’m worried she is going to be next in line. Our Sussex has definitely turned for the worst. The Delaware seems to be the same. One last question for now….i don’t have flock feed, can I just stop the layer pellets for the young Delaware and put her back on the medicated starter feed we have?

 

[Bigfishbobby]

@Eggcessive

Wyandotte looks a little better today. Sussex died, but she was exhibiting some different symptoms so I’m not convinced they are linked. Check out the Delaware’s feet. One looks a little bigger to me. I inspected them but didn’t see anything like bumble or injury. Do these look normal to you?