One sick chicken after another! What is going on??

[MW1833]

I have had one chicken sick after another. It starts out with head tucked in, then droopy wings. It progresses to not able to hold head up and loss of appetite. Then the chickens seem dizzy and off balance. I found one chicken splayed on his face, wings extended, and flies all over him. I thought he was dead until I saw shallow breathing. I picked him up and his wattles were extremely pale. We were first treating with Corrid because we have had issues with coccidiosis in the past. Stopped treatment after we discovered him almost dead and started treating with poultry cell and vitamin B. He perked back up but still seems tucked in. We had another one come down with the same symptoms and started treating right away with vitamins. She perked up quick and has been back to normal. Now I have another polish that has come down with the same thing. I have no idea what it is. This is my first time owning chickens and friends that I know with chickens have never had any issues. My chickens are about 12 weeks old now. We have a variety of breeds but the ones that have gotten sick are Polish and Old English Game Birds. I have called so many vets arounds me and there have been only a few that see chickens. The only one with availability wants me to drop him off so she can see him between appointments. My problems with that is it would be a total of four hours driving back and forth. Also, since I'm having to syringe feed him I'm worried he won't get the care he needs while he is there all day. Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

There are so many things that chickens can get sick from unfortunately.

What is the temperature where you are located?
Have you given your chickens any feed that looks moldy or smells strange?
Did you get your birds all from the same place? or multiple places?

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

I have had one chicken sick after another. It starts out with head tucked in, then droopy wings. It progresses to not able to hold head up and loss of appetite. Then the chickens seem dizzy and off balance. I found one chicken splayed on his face, wings extended, and flies all over him. I thought he was dead until I saw shallow breathing. I picked him up and his wattles were extremely pale. We were first treating with Corrid because we have had issues with coccidiosis in the past. Stopped treatment after we discovered him almost dead and started treating with poultry cell and vitamin B. He perked back up but still seems tucked in. We had another one come down with the same symptoms and started treating right away with vitamins. She perked up quick and has been back to normal. Now I have another polish that has come down with the same thing. I have no idea what it is. This is my first time owning chickens and friends that I know with chickens have never had any issues. My chickens are about 12 weeks old now. We have a variety of breeds but the ones that have gotten sick are Polish and Old English Game Birds. I have called so many vets arounds me and there have been only a few that see chickens. The only one with availability wants me to drop him off so she can see him between appointments. My problems with that is it would be a total of four hours driving back and forth. Also, since I'm having to syringe feed him I'm worried he won't get the care he needs while he is there all day. Any thoughts are appreciated!

I'm seeing that a lot of people are having trouble with Polish chickens. It seems to me a breed problem of a failure to thrive, and you may have no control over.

 

[MW1833]

I'm seeing that a lot of people are having trouble with Polish chickens. It seems to me a breed problem of a failure to thrive, and you may have no control over.

I have also had an old english get sick but perked up after vitamins. Would that happen in multiple chickens and at 12 weeks old? The one that is sick now was our head rooster. He was being his crazy self one day then tucked in the next.

 

[MW1833]

There are so many things that chickens can get sick from unfortunately.

What is the temperature where you are located?
Have you given your chickens any feed that looks moldy or smells strange?
Did you get your birds all from the same place? or multiple places?

It has been in the 80's here in Michigan. No food looks or smells strange. We bring feeders in at night and don't buy in bulk quantity to keep things fresh. We got them from multiple places but are all about 12 weeks old now and have been together for a bit.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

I have also had an old english get sick but perked up after vitamins. Would that happen in multiple chickens and at 12 weeks old? The one that is sick now was our head rooster. He was being his crazy self one day then tucked in the next.

I would continue to give them vitamins. Corid is a medication and the vitamins after is always a good idea. I'd give them some grit too.
Currently how many chicks are doing poorly and where did you get them from?

 

[MW1833]

I would continue to give them vitamins. Corid is a medication and the vitamins after is always a good idea. I'd give them some grit too.
Currently how many chicks are doing poorly and where did you get them from?

I got Liege and Bruges Fighters from greenfire farms in Florida and (knock on wood) have been healthy. Our Jersey Giants and Old English Game Birds have come from Cackle hatchery. Then our Polish and Guineas came from someone local in Michigan. The Polish and Old English have gotten sick. Can you give vitamins with Corrid?

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

I got Liege and Bruges Fighters from greenfire farms in Florida and (knock on wood) have been healthy. Our Jersey Giants and Old English Game Birds have come from Cackle hatchery. Then our Polish and Guineas came from someone local in Michigan. The Polish and Old English have gotten sick. Can you give vitamins with Corrid?

No, Corid and vitamins can not be given together. And don't put either one in a metal waterer either.
Did you get any or all of the chicks vaccinated? I only ask if some were vaccinated and some were not.

 

[MW1833]

No, Corid and vitamins can not be given together. And don't put either one in a metal waterer either.
Did you get any or all of the chicks vaccinated? I only ask if some were vaccinated and some were not.

Ok that's what I thought. That's why I stopped Corid prior to vitamins. Most are vaccinated for Merricks, I'm not sure on the polish and guineas though. It doesn't seem like Merricks though especially since they got better.

 

[LizGio]

@azygous @Eggcessive
@Wyorp Rock

Thinking worms?