my hens are sick

[Dezincarolina]

All 5 of my Hen's are sick. Any advice would be much appreciated - I've searched the threads but just became confused.

1. diarrhea
2. VERY lethargic
3. no interest in eating
4. combs pale and drooped over
5. stopped laying today

They are still drinking water some. Worried.

 

[Wyandottes7]

How old are they? These symptoms make me think of either Coccidiosis or worms. If they are young, Coccidiosis is more probable, though the symptoms described don't fit it exactly. Worms can affect chickens of all ages. Do you hens feel thin, or lightweight? This would be another indicator of worms.

Stay aware for any other signs of disease. Diarrhea and lethargy, as well as a pale comb, are just general signs that a chicken isn't feeling well. Still, I'd advise you to treat for both Coccidiosis and worms.

The treatment for Coccidiosis is Corid liquid or powder. The dosage for the liquid is two teaspoons per gallon, and the treatment for the powder is 3/4 teaspoon per gallon, given for five days. Replace the water daily, and don't give any dairy products, apple cider vinegar, or vitamins during this period.

If you see improvement after the Cocci treatment, you don't have to worm them. But, if you see no improvement, you should deworm. Don't deworm right after treating with Corid; give them a break of a week or so, while giving them probiotics and other immune-system boosters. This is because worming can be hard on a chicken's system.

Some good wormers are Valbazen and Safeguard. Safeguard (a goat dewormer that can be used for chickens) is the safest, but Valbazen will do the job just as well. I personally used the Worminator (http://www.twincitypoultrysupplies.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=584).

Hope this helps! Keep us updated if any new symptoms appear.

 

[dawg53]

Visually inspect them closely for lice/mites, especially around the vent area.

 

[Eggcessive]

I answered on your earlier thread.

 

[Dezincarolina]

Thank you for your replies - I'm sad to say that I lost one today and another I do not expect to make it through the night. New symptoms lead me to believe that they have gotten into something poisonous.

of the four left
1. all still have pale combs that are leaning over
2. one still has bad diarrhea
3. two of them have very swollen crops and they expelled greenish clear liquid when they bend over
4. three of the four did eat some bread dipped in olive oil this evening.

 

[Eggcessive]

If you lose any more you might think about sending one off to your state vet for a necropsy to see what you are dealing with. One BYCer recently lost her prize rooster and a hen to poisoning when a neighbor had an exterminator come by when she wasn't aware. A necropsy confirmed it. Here is a link to your state vet office: http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/statevets.aspx