Please help with a sick girly chicken....

[countrycakelady]

We have spent the past 2 days working all day long on our new coop....my dd has had 'duty' to feed and water our girls........so I was not aware of this until late this afternoon.......any ideas are appreciated...and prayers too.....


I noticed one of my girls today....she looks like she has lost some weight the past several days, and she was walking on her knees, so to speak....she was eating all the while sitting on her bum and got up to drink.....I managed to get a dropper full of ACV water, mixed with some Nutridrench water, we put it in her beak, and she swallowed...she is so thin.....seems quite droopy acting, I am wondering if she is not getting enough to eat? I can feel her breast bone so easy! Could she be getting sick? I noticed some loose poo's....but it's hot here, and I attributed them to drinking so much water...first time here.....just wanting to do all I can to help her.......she did stand straight up and walk around a little bit after her 'dropper drink cocktail'.......I almost dread tommorrow daylight, for fear of what I will find. Ideas or help please........

 

[Michael Apple]

It could be Coccidiosis or Blackhead (Histomoniasis) which is also caused by a protozoan. Cecal worms also carry the protozoan which cause Histomoniasis. Both diseases are common with poultry. Diarrhea, weakness, and losing weight are common symptoms.

Try some Corid 20% powder at 1 tsp per gallon of water, or the 9.6% liquid at 2 tsp per gallon of water. If you don't see improvement in 3 days, give one 250 mg Metronidazole (flagyl) tab, if the bird is over 5 lbs., 1/2 tab if the bird is under 5 lbs. every day for five days. You can get Corid at most any feed store, and you can get Metronidazole at some pet/aquarium supply stores labeled as Fish-Zole. If you see improvement with Corid treatment, do the course for a total of 5-7 days.

Both meds should be kept in the med cabinet for anyone who raises chickens.

 

[countrycakelady]

Bumping....she is still eating and drinking, a little....her poo is a camo green, very liquidy....she just acts so tired......when it stops pouring buckets, I am going to TSC, our only option for meds, and get Corrid........what else is good meds that I can get to have here? I am extremely worried about her.....and all the rest......the rest are acting like their nutty selves, rofl......

 

[Michael Apple]

Corid is the staple medication against Coccidiosis.
Sulfadimethoxine soluble powder fights Coccidiosis, Cholera, and some types of enteritis.
Valbazen Drench (Albendazole) is a goat wormer used off label for poultry and is 100% effective against all parasitic worms.
Safeguard liquid (Fenbendazole) is good too, but won't get rid of tapes.
Permectrin II or Ravap E.C. knocks out the mites/lice on premises and birds every time.

You can acquire these meds/chemicals over time. I keep them on hand for when/if they are needed. Always consult with an avian vet, package label, or someone truly knowledgeable about chickens so the proper dosage is given. Always follow recommended withdrawal periods for antibiotics or medications.

Many will offer organic solutions for coccidiosis, mites, worms, etc. The proof is in the remedy and the right medicine does what organic methods fail to do every time. Organic ingredients in diets can help keep the immunity and digestive health strong. But in instances where symptoms of disease are present, there's no time to waste on cayenne pepper, anise oil, ACV, horseradish, turmeric, garlic, or diatomaceous earth.

 

[countrycakelady]

THANK YOU Michael Apple for all the helpful advice you have offered...I got a bag of Corid this afternoon, the last bag in the store at that! I have started everybody on it...now to hope and pray for the best.

 

[Lena Calkins]

Is it OK to eat their eggs after you administer sulfadimethoxine?