My hens are losing weight, and I am not sure what is going on... Help!

[harvestmoon]

Hello, I am pretty new to caring for chickens, so I am not sure what to do! A few of my hens are losing weight noticeably, but showing no other symptoms. They are eating and drinking regularly as far as I can tell, and their eyes seems clear and healthy. They all seem active, running around and talking to me. Could they have worms? Should I go get some over the counter dewormer, or are their other signs of illness that I should be looking for? My buff orpington is almost skinny looking! help, i love them so much I just want them to be healthy! They are about 4 1/2 months old.

Thank you for any advice!!!

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Yep - time to deworm them!

I would recommend using Wazine first in their water to cut their worm load, and then 10-14 days later use something like Ivermectin or Eprinex. Also, do you give them grit? If not, they can't "use" all the feed they are eating...

 

[Miss Lydia]

also check them over real good for lice and mites and if they have them the ivermectin pouron will take care of them. But wazine first.

 

[harvestmoon]

Thank you so much, your advice is super helpful!. I don't feed them grit, right now they are eating laying crumbles and scratch. But when I slaughtered my extra roosters about a month ago, when i cleaned out their crops I noticed there was plenty of sand in them along with their food. I am not sure if that is relevant information or not, if you feel like I should be supplementing their feed with grit, I would be happy to give them what they need!

Thank you so much for your quick response, I was so worried!

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

If they have access to ground that has enough sand in it, that should be fine.