Pullet wasting away, no signs of illness

[Jackandwhitey]

I have a 6-month old Black Copper Marans that I bought 2 months ago. I bought a trio, the other pullet died right away. She was well fed, but was just a skeleton when she died. It was hard to tell that she was so thin because of her feathers. Now the 2nd pullet is wasting away. They have all been very well fed, chick starter, meal worms, sun flower chips, 28% poultry feed mixed with the chick starter, and free range-bugs, grass, seeds, etc.

Yesterday I caught her and the rooster to put them in the chicken coop (by themselves). I noticed how thin they both are. Two days ago I noticed her falling asleep while she ate or drank, then she bedded down in the feed pan. Yesterday she came to me when I called but fell asleep in front of me. All I had to do was reach out and catch her. Then when I caught the rooster I noticed he was very thin also.

Up until now they have been eager eaters and always came when I called to give them meal worms.

So, the symptoms are being so sleepy and being very thin. I have not seen anything unusual with the feces. I have never had sick poultry, but these poor chickens were bought at 4 months of age from a breeder.
What is wrong with them, how should I treat them? Thank you so much.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Immediately take a collection of feces samples to a vet and have him/her check for worms. I'm pretty sure that is what the problem is. Seemingly healthy chickens with a good appetite that are skinny usually have worms.
The samples should be fresh so collect them as soon as the chicken get up and do their first doo.
Then get to the vet first thing in the morning.
Have him recommend or prescribe a wormer based on the number of birds you have an the type of worms.
Since you only have 2, an injectable Ivermectin would probably be the best.
I say to do a fecal test first because it could be something else.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would be concerned that they have an overload of cocci. Corid is the best choice for treatment. Buttermilk is good to give until you get corid. They may have worms too since most chickens have some. They may have been just weak chicks from the beginning. Do they get scared away from the food by other chickens you have? Try some scrambled eggs and baby liquid vitamins (a drop or two each day.)

 

[jruhle]

I have two hens who died mysteriously of the same affliction. They had no symptoms but when they died they where extremely emaciated. The other hens in the pen are seemingly healthy and in good flesh. I think I'm going to try worming them and moving them to a new location. My first time having problems like this!

 

[Jackandwhitey]

Thank you for your advice. I'm not sure there is a vet around here that will have anything to do with a chicken. Could I just worm her? Is there a wormer that will get all the worms chickens are able to pick up? I didn't see your message until now and I started her on medication for coccydiosis.

 

[Jackandwhitey]

No, these two chickens have been free range and had the run of the place. I fed them everyday and gave them meal worms for treats. They would come everytime I called them. I would sit with them each time I put feed out. I still had them on chick starter and a high protein poultry feed. They looked great until you picked them up and found out how thin they are. I started them on Corrid, vitamins and electrolytes in their water today.

 

[Jackandwhitey]

Have you found out what killed your two chickens and what is wrong with the ones that are wasting away?