new hens are gonna need a LOT of TLC... UPDATE: LICE!

[technodoll]

I have some lice dust and have cleaned up the babies, the rest of the adult flock takes regular, intensive dust baths so am hoping they're ok since they weren't in direct contact with the new pullets... but will check them anyways and de-louse as necessary. Been there, done that, GROSS but it's nature.

Here is the recovering girl, Sunshine, earlier this afternoon, left eye completely swollen and glued shut (after I took 10 minutes to clean the dried crusty gunk off both eyes, she hated it but it has done a lot of good):

I just checked on her & her sister Faith 15 minutes ago, they were sleeping in the crate... opened the light and they woke up and dug into the food I added to their bowl - and Sunshine's left eye opened partway!! YAY!! Seems less swollen, hope I'm not just dreaming...

They are drinking and pooping normally so

please keep those good healing vibes coming, I THINK IT'S WORKING!!

(I really hope I'm not jinxing anything)

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I was reading this page today and thought of your girls. The information might be helpful - sad but helpful. https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=9241 I hope the link works. If not - it is BYC member Stook's page about swollen crusty eyes and "colds".

Hoping for fast healing.

 

[KinderKorner]

Don't freak out yet.

People always say once they have a respitory illness they are carriers for life. But that simply isn't true.

I have chatted with several chicken experts. And they all believe that if you get a Respitory Infection in your flock. Treat the recommended time on the label. Then wait and watch. Some or all should get better. Then keeping watching. If any bird begins showing signs of it cull them right away. These are chronic cases which are your carriers. If you have a bird that was infected and treated and hasn't show signs since "long period of time not just a few weeks" then they are immune and shouldn't pass on anything.

They said all the germs are everywhere. You can try to prevent it, but sometimes you jsut can't. It makes a stronger and healthy flock when they are exposed to germs. It builds immunity. They say if your bird can't be exposed to germs and be healthy then they don't believe they should have a place in your flock. People and medicine have created whimpy birds, and strong germs. Treat only as much as you must. If you constantly have sick birds get rid of them. Keep only the strongest, biggest birds. You will improve your flock, and pass on stronger traits.

Just saying.

So treat. I recommend Aueromyicin, or Sulmet. Then if they continue to stay ill or get resick. Get rid of them.

Also keep them away from your flock until this is figured out. You have exposed them already. But perhaps it didn't pass on. Or your brids were healthy enough to fight it back.

 

[KinderKorner]

Oh. You might want to get some Vet RX and put it in their water. It will help their eyes open.

 

[CheerfulHeart2]

Glad things are looking up....hang in there.

 

[crtrlovr]

Hoping things continue to improve for your rescued youngsters. You mentioned that you hoped the others would be ok/free from the lice since they take regular dust baths. For a little added insurance, you can dump a cup of Sevin dust into their wallow holes, and when they dust bathe they'll naturally dust themselves.

Make sure to put some in the bedding and nest boxes, and sprinkle on the roost boards if they're wide enough. this will help get rid of mites & lice in the coop if there are any there (and if it's wood like mine, chances are strong that they ARE there, even if you can't see them).

 

[The Zoo]

I bet when these girls are healthy and happy and laying you will love them the most because of all that you have gone through for them. And you will forget all the trouble they were and just enjoy them.

 

[technodoll]

I will try to find the Sevin dust but haven't had any luck so far - would the de-lousing powder I'm currently using work as well?

Or would they inhale it through the flying dust baths and make them sick?

(I'll read the instructions on the can tomorrow, it's in the coop!)

I'm hoping Sunshine's eye infection was due to the lice on her head and that getting rid of the critters will help her heal... she's on antibiotics, warm in the house with her buddy, non-stressful environment and the goodies start tomorrow sprinked onto the food she's used to - hope she'll try eating other stuff but we'll see.

She needs lots and lots of rest I think...

Now, I want to worm the flock for all possible worms on Friday.

Seeing as Sunshine is so weak, is this a good idea? Will it intefere with the antibiotics?

Of course I will speak to the vet about this first but wanted your experience and advice... I can't get anyone to see my chickens, it's all done over the phone anyways.

THANK YOU!!

 

[technodoll]

Oh and here is her little sister Faith, who seems OK just super naked.

I deloused her too and she is also on antibiotics, as I can only have one water source in the crate.

She looks feathered but her entire back is naked as a baby's bottom, as is her head and neck.

She looks like a baby vulture! So tiny but she's a fighter that one, she has spirit!

It will be interesting to see "before and after" photos!

The two girls together, for size comparison... do you think they are 14 and 12 weeks old, or less??

 

[The Zoo]

Hee - I might have named her Beaky Buzzard from the Looney Tunes vulture.