Rescuing neglected chickens...help!

[webbysmeme]

View attachment 1645932
My SO thought it would be pretty comical to get this sign for the coop a couple months ago...now I can finally put it up

Love that sign! I want one! I am so proud to know that there are caring people like yourself out there! God Bless you and those girls. I wish you the best of luck with them.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

You got them home safely!
So glad to hear they aren't in too bad of shape Pretty girls!
I think they will be just fine under your care, you have worked hard getting all this together and are doing great!

 

[HeyHo]

Yay! They look like pretty girls. Good for you. I hope you enjoy getting to know them, please please please keep us updated. Lots of us are cheering you on!

 

[77horses]

Thanks so much everyone, you guys are awesome! The girls are all tucked in for the night after being dusted, feet Vaseline’d and crops full of food and fresh water. They looked pretty cozy in their new home together before I turned off the heat lamp for the night.
Before I sign off for the night- I quickly checked some of their poops from when they were in the cat carriers and didn’t see any worms. Should I go ahead and treat for worms anyways?
I also looked them over and,m found no lice either. Or at least, not a single lice egg on their feather shafts. That was a pretty big surprise. If they had any mites, would there be any visible evidence? Either way, I dusted them for safe measure. Their combs/wattles seem pretty pale to me, as if they’re a little anemic. What do you guys think?
After they got some food and water, all 4 of them perked right up. None of them are noticeably lethargic. Aside from being a little underweight and pale, they all seem pretty dang healthy, considering. We’ll see how they are tomorrow, but what would you guys do in terms of the dewormer? I don’t want to do anything unnecessary that might compromise their health, ya know?
Until then, have a good night y’all! Thanks again for all the help. So far, so good!

 

[TropicalBabies]

Those are incredibly pretty girls. I am so happy for you all.
I feel like it is like the last episode of the 77horse Rescue. Being you have a large audience of BYC vested and hanging on the edge of their seats can we have a season 2?!! Like the first 2 weeks of settling in?

 

[Kris5902]

They are very pretty... So glad they are in much better shape than expected! Expect the worst and you will often be pleasantly surprised, yes?

With the feathered feet and general fluffiness (so adorable!) maybe a chemical mite/lice treatment wouldn’t be a bad idea? Ivermectin if you have access to it, it’s supposed to be effective against leg mites too, and with those feathered feet I can’t imagine the Vaseline is much fun for anyone involved. People with way more knowledge than me will give you good advice on this very soon I am sure!

In the meantime, congratulations, you’ve done a wonderful thing in re-homing these beauties where they can be properly loved and cared for. I think this is just so kind and awesome! Great work so far

 

[21hens-incharge]

They look really good!
In the pics I can see full crops there. I really think they will do well.

As to worming........It is unusual to actually see worms in the droppings unless they have a heavy load. A vet can test the poo for parasites that way you will know for sure if they have any at all.
If you get the poo tested make sure to mix poo from all 4 of the birds. That way no one gets left out of the test and you pay for one test. They look under a microscope for worm eggs.

No they don't have to be a bird vet to do it.

Honestly that's the best route before medicating since different wormers treat for different types.

The test at my vet runs about $50.

The pale combs could be because they recently molted and aren't back to laying yet.

 

[Cragg Klefor]

I remember reading on here someone successfully uses a cooking oil spray to treat scaly leg mites. It would probably be a lot easier with the feathers. It will still cause dirt to stick though so do you just grin and bare that?
I don't have any feathered feet.. my chickens, that is. What is the story with cutting those feathers while treatment is going on?? I wouldn't like to, but would it make sense? Or could that cause irritation?

They are gorgeous btw I hope they thrive!

 

[Fishkeeper]

I wouldn't use cooking spray or cut the feathers off. Vaseline is a good treatment, but if it won't easily work, the next best thing is a proper mite poison. Ivermectin is probably best. I'd say apply ivermectin, then Vaseline over any portions of the legs you can reach.

I wouldn't deworm at this point, not unless you see evidence that they need it. Get a worm test done if you can. Best not to give them any medications they don't need.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks so much everyone, you guys are awesome! The girls are all tucked in for the night after being dusted, feet Vaseline’d and crops full of food and fresh water. They looked pretty cozy in their new home together before I turned off the heat lamp for the night.
Before I sign off for the night- I quickly checked some of their poops from when they were in the cat carriers and didn’t see any worms. Should I go ahead and treat for worms anyways?
I also looked them over and,m found no lice either. Or at least, not a single lice egg on their feather shafts. That was a pretty big surprise. If they had any mites, would there be any visible evidence? Either way, I dusted them for safe measure. Their combs/wattles seem pretty pale to me, as if they’re a little anemic. What do you guys think?
After they got some food and water, all 4 of them perked right up. None of them are noticeably lethargic. Aside from being a little underweight and pale, they all seem pretty dang healthy, considering. We’ll see how they are tomorrow, but what would you guys do in terms of the dewormer? I don’t want to do anything unnecessary that might compromise their health, ya know?
Until then, have a good night y’all! Thanks again for all the help. So far, so good!
View attachment 1646304
View attachment 1646305
View attachment 1646306 View attachment 1646307

To me, they look to be in pretty good condition!
How old are they supposed to be?
The combs are a bit pale, but they may not be laying at this time either.

For the deworming. haha! Personally if I were going to deworm I would use a broader spectrum wormer like the Safeguard or Valbazen as discussed. Since you have Wazine, that would take care of any roundworms they have but nothing else.
Most of the time the only worms you would see in the poop would be roundworms if there is a heavy infestation or possibly tapeworm segments. Usually worms are not seen at all. A fecal float would give you information.