New to chickens and already having problems

[pjshoemaker]

'm new to the chicken world (2 weeks). A few days ago I had a hen being lathargic and not eating. Standing or sitting with her eyes closed. I did some research and thought she might be egg bound. Have her a warm bath and checked her vent. Couldn't locate anything. She pooped a lot of yellow diarrhea. She isn't showing any improvement yet. Another hen stayed the same symptoms, I bathed and checked her and found nothing. She seemed better was found her dead this morning. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Neither hen has laid since coming to my house 2 weeks ago.

 

[CMV]

Yellow poop, lethargic, new home. Cocci overgrowth. Cocci is found in the soil, and whenever a bird goes to a new home they are exposed to new flora and fauna. It is not uncommon for them to have a problem with some of the new fauna if they have never been exposed to that variety before. Treat the second hen with a course of Sulmet or Corid. You can get it at the local feed store. She will eventually acquire an immunity to your particular cocci, but it is going to take some time. The Sulmet/Corid will kill off the current overload and allow her body to get used to it. It shouldn't be a problem in the future for this bird.

Loss of laying is not unusual in birds undergoing a move. They respond to stress this way. The bird should start again in the next 3-5 weeks if she likes her new home.