- Dec 17, 2012
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Hi folks,
I had a flock of 6, recently added 2 girls. Most are 1 year old, a few are on their second year. Mix of breeds and backgrounds.
A neighbor gave me one of her first year laying hens a week ago, she could not take all of her flock with her when she was moving. Two days later she gave me another, to keep her refugee company. The two new girls are having a rough time adapting, but have been doing better every day.
Today I came home from work and found that one of the new girls had not come out into the run. She was sitting on her chosen roosting pole inside the coop. Normally pretty skittish around me, she actually let me approach and pet her. A little concerned, I picked her up and inspected her. Breathing, weight, vent, all seem normal. I placed her on my knee outside the coop, and she hopped off effortlessly and flapped to the ground. She retreated behind a bush, and eventually sat down.
She would not move voluntarily from that spot. She had her tail down, but breathing was normal and head was alert. One of the other girls made her move, but when normally she puts up a fuss and nearly flies the run, she sheepishly retreated to the coop.
I have had cases of coccidia and worms in my flock. I treated with antibiotics and eliminated both outbreaks, although not without some loss. We had a rainy spell these past few days, I am concerned she may have contracted coccidia. I know little about it, but from what I've read, it can exist permanently in soil, and can multiply and become an issue in moist conditions.
I hate antibiotics, but they save lives. I'd also hate to remove this chicken or her sister from the flock, as they are doing well at integrating so far. I am wondering if anyone has had experience with a scenario like mine, or if anyone has advice.
**note- when my flock had cocci before, there was no blood evident in the feces. Sulmet cured them.
I had a flock of 6, recently added 2 girls. Most are 1 year old, a few are on their second year. Mix of breeds and backgrounds.
A neighbor gave me one of her first year laying hens a week ago, she could not take all of her flock with her when she was moving. Two days later she gave me another, to keep her refugee company. The two new girls are having a rough time adapting, but have been doing better every day.
Today I came home from work and found that one of the new girls had not come out into the run. She was sitting on her chosen roosting pole inside the coop. Normally pretty skittish around me, she actually let me approach and pet her. A little concerned, I picked her up and inspected her. Breathing, weight, vent, all seem normal. I placed her on my knee outside the coop, and she hopped off effortlessly and flapped to the ground. She retreated behind a bush, and eventually sat down.
She would not move voluntarily from that spot. She had her tail down, but breathing was normal and head was alert. One of the other girls made her move, but when normally she puts up a fuss and nearly flies the run, she sheepishly retreated to the coop.
I have had cases of coccidia and worms in my flock. I treated with antibiotics and eliminated both outbreaks, although not without some loss. We had a rainy spell these past few days, I am concerned she may have contracted coccidia. I know little about it, but from what I've read, it can exist permanently in soil, and can multiply and become an issue in moist conditions.
I hate antibiotics, but they save lives. I'd also hate to remove this chicken or her sister from the flock, as they are doing well at integrating so far. I am wondering if anyone has had experience with a scenario like mine, or if anyone has advice.
**note- when my flock had cocci before, there was no blood evident in the feces. Sulmet cured them.
