**Please help** Is a vitamin deficiency killing my hens?

[austinclarksf]

Thank you all for your help. Any input is very valuable, not many people have any ideas so I'm happy with whatever I can get.

They aren't making much of a dent in the 22% feed I bought. I bought 2 pounds of the crumbles hoping that the smaller size of the feed would encourage my pullet to snack on it. If they just aren't eating the feed, what is going on?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would go ahead and start the coccidiosis medication now. One of the signs of chickens having cocci (besides lethargy) is going to feeders and not eating. The longer you wait if it is coccidiosis, the more you will lose.

 

[austinclarksf]

I am treating for cocci with Sulmet.

My question though, is Sulmet even worth it when it only works on 2/9 types of cocci? Or do I just return it and buy Corid? Is it harmful to switch drugs like that if it's already in their system?

 

[austinclarksf]

Pullet seems slightly more active this afternoon, and her tail is now parallel with the ground which is an improvement! To get her drinking water this morning when she was acting listless, I force-fed her some crumbles (gently) which made her thirsty. Two or three times of doing this and I noticed that she was pecking at the mash I made yesterday, which had feed in it.

I'm hoping I'm not jumping the gun here, but she does look better this afternoon.

 

[memechick]

My yard ladies devour their food when I mixed it with water and a small amount of ACV ... I mix it to a consistency of oatmeal. There is no waste because they can't shovel it around. Check out some of the threads that talk about fermented feed. If the feed is wet it might be easier for her to eat. I hope this helps you.

 

[Eggcessive]

Be sure and reduce your Sulmet concentration after 2 days to half strength, then treat 4 more days, as the label states. It is rather hard on their kidneys, but it treats 2 out 3 of the most common types of coccidiosis. Most people try to find Corid first, since it works on all 9 strains, and is supposedly better tolerated. However, I have heard that some prefer it, but since I have never used either, I can only repeat what others write. Most chickens will readily eat feed mixed with water to an oatmeal consistancy.

 

[austinclarksf]

The label on my sulmet is pretty vague- only definitive things it says are to not exceed 5 days of treatment, and I should see improvement in 24-48 hours and if not to consult a vet. I'll follow your method, as Joan (the pullet in question) is looking better this morning. She's not nearly as sleepy, and is eating scraps and a flock block I baked last night out of scratch/feed/seeds/molasses. She is also not confining herself to a corner as much.

Here's some pictures... (WARNING POO PIC)


















Her droppings this morning. Bright green solids and white and watery.






Joan in the front there, tail more erect than it's been in a few days.




June, Joan's sister. Attached at the hip.




Joan again





If she keeps turning around I think she'll make it. If this does the trick, you guys just may have saved my entire flock...

 

[austinclarksf]

Joan seem like she is at 90%. Thank you all so much for your help in saving my flock.

Yesterday, they finished day 4 of Sulmet and I am taking them off. Giving them clean water today. Tomorrow, they start on the ACV again and I'll feed them probiotics for a week or two before giving them Wazine.

 

[chickenbh1999]

Is there any recommendations on vitamins and other supplements chickens should have?