Need advice from those more experienced

[Kuntry Klucker]

Hi,

I am having some possible health issues with my flock and need some advice.

Background:
- I have 16 BO hens about 2 years old.
- We have had some very rainy and cold weather lately and have noticed some of the ladies not feeling so well.
- Due to another thread I posted, cocci in most likely not the cause of ill-health.
- I use deep litter method, clean waters and feeder regularly and have a covered dirt run, they have an uncovered chicken
yard where they run and play in addition to the pen when I am home.
- I wormed last in March

I am getting concerned because some of the ladies are acting as though they do not feel well.
I am not sure what is the best plan of action to take. I take good loving care of my girls and
want to do what is the best for them.

Should I worm them?
Dust them?
Could is just be winter blues?
They just came out of a hard molt, could this be the cause of any problems.

Those with more experience I need some advice on what do to from here.

Thanks

 

[seminolewind]

I would worm them, dust them. Are you sure they look awful because they are molting? Some of mine can look real sick when they molt.

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

I would worm them, dust them. Are you sure they look awful because they are molting? Some of mine can look real sick when they molt.

They just came out of a hard molt. Most of them have their new feathers in and look good as far as that is concerned
but they just seem like something is bringing them down. This was our first molt so I am not sure how long it takes
them to get perky again after a hard molt. The stopped laying completly during their molt and are now up to about 4-6 eggs a day.
That is from a flock of 16 ladies. So egg laying are just starting to pick up again slowly.

I thought about worming them, then I also thought about running course of Sulmet in case they have something
that would require the attention of an antibiotic.

Not sure if it is best to worm or run the antibiotic though.

The bottle of Sulmet that I have expires in January 2013. Would it be safe to use now or should I go ahead and get a new one?

Thanks

 

[Barrdwing]

Well, the Sulmet is still in date, so I'd go ahead and use it. I haven't used it myself, but if you've worked with it in the past and it hasn't seemed to bother the birds, then it should be OK. (I'd hesitate to use something that had seemed to make a bird feel puny in the past.) As far as the expiration date, though, you're still in date. You could also contact the manufacturer if you wanted to be more sure about exactly when they would consider their product expired. Sometimes the expiration date printed on the bottle is solid, and sometimes it's "flexible." It depends on the medication, and how long the bottle has been opened.

On a different angle, have you noticed any wheezing, sneezing, runny noses, or increased effort to breathe (tail-bobbing)? Wild birds can vector respiratory diseases into the flock without anyone realizing it. The chickens do fine in warm weather, but cold weather weakens their defenses and if there's a lurking illness, that's when it likes to flare up. It's worth standing out in the coop after everyone's gone to roost, and taking a good hard listen. If you hear a wheeze or a gurgle or a lot of head-shaking, or if someone's tail is bobbing like a pump handle as they breathe, think respiratory.

Good luck with your birds!

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

Well, the Sulmet is still in date, so I'd go ahead and use it. I haven't used it myself, but if you've worked with it in the past and it hasn't seemed to bother the birds, then it should be OK. (I'd hesitate to use something that had seemed to make a bird feel puny in the past.) As far as the expiration date, though, you're still in date. You could also contact the manufacturer if you wanted to be more sure about exactly when they would consider their product expired. Sometimes the expiration date printed on the bottle is solid, and sometimes it's "flexible." It depends on the medication, and how long the bottle has been opened.

On a different angle, have you noticed any wheezing, sneezing, runny noses, or increased effort to breathe (tail-bobbing)? Wild birds can vector respiratory diseases into the flock without anyone realizing it. The chickens do fine in warm weather, but cold weather weakens their defenses and if there's a lurking illness, that's when it likes to flare up. It's worth standing out in the coop after everyone's gone to roost, and taking a good hard listen. If you hear a wheeze or a gurgle or a lot of head-shaking, or if someone's tail is bobbing like a pump handle as they breathe, think respiratory.

Good luck with your birds!

I have not noticed any sneezing or anything like that. But you are right, the winter does make it harder on them is there is an illness lurking around.
Would the Sulmet take care of things like that should they show up or do I need to get something else, just wondering? Thanks.

 

[maidenwolfx80]

I honestly would not medicate unless I knew they needed it ex: sneezing, coughing, wheezing they would need antibiotic. Worms noticed in poo, thin, not gaining weight, not eating they need wormed. Coming out of their first molt is the hardest for them. It takes alot out of them. I would run a weeks worth of vit/min/electrolyte supplement in their water. I just hate using drugs if it isnt needed so I am cautious on just dosing randomly. I do know how it is though, I spoil my birds and they are wonderful animals so I want the best care for them possible.

 

[froggiesheins]

I honestly would not medicate unless I knew they needed it ex: sneezing, coughing, wheezing they would need antibiotic. Worms noticed in poo, thin, not gaining weight, not eating  they need wormed. Coming out of their first molt is the hardest for them. It takes alot out of them. I would run a weeks worth of vit/min/electrolyte supplement in their water. I just hate using drugs if it isnt needed so I am cautious on just dosing randomly. I do know how it is though, I spoil my birds and they are wonderful animals so I want the best care for them possible.

Good post! X's 2
Also remember that they are not getting as much sunshine and outdoor time and its cold, takes alot of energy to stay warm. Nutra-drench, vitamins, electrolytes would be a good thing. Also some warm treats maybe like oatmeal etc....

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

I honestly would not medicate unless I knew they needed it ex: sneezing, coughing, wheezing they would need antibiotic. Worms noticed in poo, thin, not gaining weight, not eating they need wormed. Coming out of their first molt is the hardest for them. It takes alot out of them. I would run a weeks worth of vit/min/electrolyte supplement in their water. I just hate using drugs if it isnt needed so I am cautious on just dosing randomly. I do know how it is though, I spoil my birds and they are wonderful animals so I want the best care for them possible.

Ok, thanks, I that makes a lot of sense. Maybe a weeks worth of vits are a good idea. They are coming out of their first molt, in fact they are just now
reaching about 3-6 eggs a day after completely stopping laying eggs for a good while. Could it be the effects of the hard molt that is making them
appear kind of out of it? Thanks for your input, I will take your advise.

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

Good post! X's 2
Also remember that they are not getting as much sunshine and outdoor time and its cold, takes alot of energy to stay warm. Nutra-drench, vitamins, electrolytes would be a good thing. Also some warm treats maybe like oatmeal etc....

That is true, will all the rain it has been extra cloudy too. Is there any foods that I can offer them that will help boost their moral.
I usually give them scratch, oatmeal, wheat bread, wheat spaghetti, and warm water in the mornings. I am currently feeding them
22% layer pellets. Am I on the right track with what I am giving them? Thanks

 

[Happy Chooks]

They are probably still recovering from their molt. It takes time to get their body weight back up. Vitamins/electrolytes never hurt though.