My Chickens keep dying.

[Sal2249]

For the last 9 months my chickens have been dying and I don't know why. A neighbor of mine is having the same problem. She took hers to the vet and they charged her $280.00 and told her they didn't know what was wrong with them. We have both been researching the problem and have tried everything. I have removed the top two inches of dirt from their pens and put all new bedding in their boxes and changed their diets. Put lime down, de-wormed them. Add minerals to their water. Went to my local veggie farm and got fresh veges for them.They don't show any symptoms until they lay down and then they usually die with in 1-3 day. I had my husband build me a hen hospital were I was hand feeding and watering them to see if it would help but they are still dying. The only physical sign I can see is their breast bones are so skinny. I even went so far as to cut one open to see if there was something I could see was wrong but found no worms or food in their little throats, or no egg stuck. It breaks my heart to watch them die but I don't know what else to do. I did read on here about having lab testing done. I have one sick right know if she dies I'm going to try them and see if they can figure out what is wrong. I am open to any suggestions.....

 

[3riverschick]

#eggsighted4life
#azygous
#olgreymare

 

[Granny Hatchet]

#eggsighted4life
#azygous
#olgreymare

you did # instead of @ so it didnt work

 

[BlueBaby]

@EggSighted4Life
@azygous
@Wyorp Rock

 

[Granny Hatchet]

For the last 9 months my chickens have been dying and I don't know why. A neighbor of mine is having the same problem. She took hers to the vet and they charged her $280.00 and told her they didn't know what was wrong with them. We have both been researching the problem and have tried everything. I have removed the top two inches of dirt from their pens and put all new bedding in their boxes and changed their diets. Put lime down, de-wormed them. Add minerals to their water. Went to my local veggie farm and got fresh veges for them.They don't show any symptoms until they lay down and then they usually die with in 1-3 day. I had my husband build me a hen hospital were I was hand feeding and watering them to see if it would help but they are still dying. The only physical sign I can see is their breast bones are so skinny. I even went so far as to cut one open to see if there was something I could see was wrong but found no worms or food in their little throats, or no egg stuck. It breaks my heart to watch them die but I don't know what else to do. I did read on here about having lab testing done. I have one sick right know if she dies I'm going to try them and see if they can figure out what is wrong. I am open to any suggestions.....

what does their poop look like and how old are they ?

 

[azygous]

Locate an agricultural lab now so when/if the next chicken dies, you can get the body to them immediately for a necropsy. This can be free or cost around $100. That's what I've paid, anyway. A necropsy will provide precise information on what is killing your flock.

From the vague symptoms, it could be cancer tumors caused by a virus. If your chickens are in their first year, it might be the Marek's virus. If they are much older, it might be a leucosis virus.

One thing you can do right away, and that's to treat for coccidiosis. It's cheap and easy, and if that's what's infecting your chickens, it can save the rest of the flock. If it's not a coccidia outbreak, then no harm has been done. But the symptoms are certainly consistent with coccidiosis.

The treatment is amprolium sold under the label Corid in the US. Follow the directions for treatment rather than the prevention.

 

[orrpeople]

First, I am so sorry for your losses. It is one of the most heartbreaking things to know there's something seriously wrong with your birds and not be able to do anything about it.
There are multiple issues that can cause widespread death in flocks. First, it would be great to see some pictures. Can you get a couple shots of your sick girl's eyes, how she stands, and of her poop?
Sadly, most veterinarians have no experience with poultry, so, unless you ar just having a routine fecal float test done (which might not be a bad idea), they usually can't help very much.
Where are you located? (just a general idea will help us give available resources.)
In California, necropsies are only $20 for two chickens.

 

[3riverschick]

I wonder if there is something they are eating. Something in the environment.
Sadly,
Karen

 

[casportpony]

The treatment is amprolium sold under the label Corid in the US. Follow the directions for treatment rather than the prevention.

Corid is a good idea, but the directions on the package are for cattle, not poultry, so one should not follow the directions.

The correct Corid powder dose for a severe outbreak in poultry is no less that 1.5 teaspoons per gallon for 5 days, then 1/3 teaspoon per gallon for 7-14 days.

The liquid dose is 2 teaspoons per gallon for 5 days, then 1/2 teaspoon per gallon for 7-14 days.

 

[orrpeople]

Also, @Sal2249 , you mentioned "minerals" in your post. I have found fast acting vitamins like Nutri Drench straight out of the dropper to be remarkably helpful, especially as you are in a "mystery illness" stage yet.
Corid and Nutri Drench = Most used items in my chicken first aid kit.