Mystery Deaths

[Livlif2itsfulest]

The newest issue on the farm is my dying silkies. I have lost some silkies from the same breeder and I have not been able to figure out what it could be. It is not the breeder at all... because the first one passed at almost maturity 2 months or so ago with no signs but drop in behavior and lethargic then gone and the second just died yesterday with no warning signs but the day before her behavior changed then yesterday was lethargic then gone. Both have been eating and drinking and the last one to die ate a few hours before it passed on. So confused so I am having my nose in the books to figure out what it could be. All other chicks from the same farm are doing great as of now.

After only a few hours of searching I have come up with Cocci... but I need to look further into it and to see if this could be anything there in relation to my problem.


Please let me know if you have any suggestions?​

 

[chicknerd]

I had a similar issue two years ago with Polish chicks from the same breeder. I lost all five from that breeder but over an 8 month period. (FYI I had 14 other birds do just fine over the same period). I had most go in a similar fashion but the one cockerel was strange. He was on a roost in the morning when I let everyone out and then at 11am when I went to check for eggs he was curled up in a nest box, gone.

My point is I never really figured out what the issue was, I had given them medicated feed and even Corrid over one period when they were all about 12 weeks old. They were not vaccinated against Mareks but our vet said that was not the issue and they really dont see it here. I finally concluded they simply were not the best stock.

Wish I could give more advice.

 

[Erica]

Hi L,
what feed have they been on? How old are they?

Presuming they're all at maturity, it's highly unlikely to be cocci. One of the things that does hit at maturity (and silkies are prone to it) is Marek's disease, but they tend to linger a long while before dying, so it doesn't sound all that likely.

I would be reviewing the diet as well as picking up each bird, feeling her weight and whether her breastbone is really thin, looking for signs of diarrhea etc. Check for sneezing or respiratory signs and whether the abdomen is hard and swollen. Then report back.

Sorry I can't help, these are what I'd do.
Erica

 

[Livlif2itsfulest]

Thanks for the suggestions. I did that yesterday and all of them seemed to be normal weight and no thinning including the one that just passed. Ugh I have them on regular laying pellets once they leave the brooder (same brand for years) and are with the rest of the flock (which these were not that young when I bought them they were close to 4-6 weeks then no lamp). Plus it comes out of no where. Only know a day in advance then they are gone! I mean and playing then lethargic the dead. Its soo sad.