Mystery disease, Need your help!

[chickenmad129]

Hi,
Last autumn, one of my bantams died from weight loss and was very lethargic. In the summer I lost a 1 year old bantam, she had lost feathers around the vent, lost weight and eventually died. Last week I lost another hen, who lost weight extremely quickly and died within a few days. Now I have another bantam who is losing weight and has some feather lost. All the chickens now have diarrhea.

I know many people will say it sounds like worms but they have flubenvet (British wormer) every couple of months and are on it now. I also use verm-x (natural wormer) every month as well as cider vinegar in the water. I also use powder to kill any mites or lice. All the chickens that have died have been under a year old. However, the deaths are at least a couple of months in between so I am unsure if they all died from the same disease...

I'm only 15 and none of my family have a clue about chickens so I'm hoping BYC will be able to help. I have only had chickens for under 2 years and have lost more than have lived, what am i doing wrong?!
Thank you!

 

[maziechicken02]

They probably have an infection go to your local feed store and look for antibiotics that you can put in their water usually helps me Good luck

 

[chickenmad129]

Thank you!

 

[maziechicken02]

No problem

 

[Eggcessive]

What are you feeding the chickens? Probiotics or some cultured plain yogurt is good to help the digestive system. Coccidosis can be a problem in younger chickens, and is treated with amprollium or coxoid. It's probably not wise to use antibiotics unless you have a good idea of what is wrong. Plus, in the UK it's not possible to buy antibiotics unless you see a vet. The vet may be able to test the droppings to look for worms or coccidia. I would ask your vet if you can get a necropsy done on a chicken if you lose another one. Look them over for signs of mites and lice. Feather picking around the vent could be a big problem, and I would make sure that your chickens are not over crowded. Make sure that your feed contains 16-20% protein to help prevent feather picking, and get them outside daily. If you notice any pecking vdnts, then separate that chicken.

 

[chickenmad129]

Ok I will try the yoghurt. I only have 4 chickens left now and the coop was built for 10. The food says it contains 17% protein but feather pecking has been a problem in the past. Thank for your help

 

[Eggcessive]

Feather picking can lead to cannibalism and vent damage or later on, can be one of several causes of salpingitis. Look for the culprit since it can be habit-forming. Bad tasting ointments or coal tar can be used on skin to help prevent more pecking.

 

[chickenmad129]

Feather picking can lead to cannibalism and vent damage or later on, can be one of several causes of salpingitis. Look for the culprit since it can be habit-forming. Bad tasting ointments or coal tar can be used on skin to help prevent more pecking.

Hi, I thought I would give you an update on how my chickens are! I tried the prebiotic yogurt and that worked a treat! Also, I did a worm and cocci test which showed that that was a count of 20 cocci ooysts but there needed to be >20000 for even cause for concern. With regards to the feather pecking, I followed your advice and used some bad tasting spray and a couple of days later peace resumed to the chicken house!Thank you very much for the help