Second hen showing signs of lethargy...

[CaptainSamH]

Oops, meant to post this photo of poop. I didn't watch it come out of her, but she was the only one nearby when it was fresh, so...
What's up with poop that looks like slugs crawling through urate?
Like I said, her condition seemed stable, she was eating and responding, with an empty am crop, but that can't be healthy poop, right?

 

[CaptainSamH]

I have made it my mission to find them. Most of them came from the feed store, but not necessarily the chicken section. Some vitamins and wound care I got at a drug store. I’m still looking for activated charcoal and even passed on an article on how to make it to DH. I’ve been thinking about starting an article with suggestions for a medicine bag for chickens, but will see if one exists first. I’m sure if I start one people will pitch in with info and soon we will have a comprehensive list. Wouldn’t that be great?

I would subscribe to that list... do you know anything about copper sulfate?

 

[ValerieJ]

I would subscribe to that list... do you know anything about copper sulfate?

Not much. Is that what I spray on my trees to fight fungus?

 

[CaptainSamH]

Not much. Is that what I spray on my trees to fight fungus?

Probably, hubs read in a book to use it for thrush in chickens....but can't get it over the counter here.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Oops, meant to post this photo of poop. I didn't watch it come out of her, but she was the only one nearby when it was fresh, so...
What's up with poop that looks like slugs crawling through urate?
Like I said, her condition seemed stable, she was eating and responding, with an empty am crop, but that can't be healthy poop, right?

I would subscribe to that list... do you know anything about copper sulfate?

Glad you will be seeing a vet. Have them run a fecal float to check for Coccidiosis and worms.
There's quite a bit of urates in there, could be she's a little dehydrated. I do see what looks like intestinal shedding as well - could be normal it happens sometimes, but if it's consistent, then worming, treating for Coccidiosis and/or infection may be needed.

As for medications to keep on hand?! A lot depends on where you live and how easy things are to obtain. It's nice to be prepared, but some things you may never use.
You also don't want to prophylatically treat with medication, you really want to have some idea what is going on. Sometimes medications are suggested as a last ditch effort to see if a rapidly declining bird will improve.
Antibiotics and other medications you need to research/read up on those and determine if they are right for you to use - if they have withdrawal periods, if you are allergic to them, etc.

You ask about Acidified Copper Sulfate - you can purchase that through most of the major hatcheries like Meyer, Murray McMurray and others. Jedds also carries it. Acidified Copper Sulfate can be used to treat sour crop and canker - it's used for a few other things too. You do want to make sure you read labels and follow directions, excess can be toxic. ACS cannot go into metal containers (don't use a metal spoon to stir it!) use glass or plastic (spoons and containers).

Antibiotics can be a little harder to get - you have vet care, so going through your vet is best, but most things can still be ordered online. Tractor Supply carries some basics as well.

 

[ValerieJ]

Glad you will be seeing a vet. Have them run a fecal float to check for Coccidiosis and worms.
There's quite a bit of urates in there, could be she's a little dehydrated. I do see what looks like intestinal shedding as well - could be normal it happens sometimes, but if it's consistent, then worming, treating for Coccidiosis and/or infection may be needed.

As for medications to keep on hand?! A lot depends on where you live and how easy things are to obtain. It's nice to be prepared, but some things you may never use.
You also don't want to prophylatically treat with medication, you really want to have some idea what is going on. Sometimes medications are suggested as a last ditch effort to see if a rapidly declining bird will improve.
Antibiotics and other medications you need to research/read up on those and determine if they are right for you to use - if they have withdrawal periods, if you are allergic to them, etc.

You ask about Acidified Copper Sulfate - you can purchase that through most of the major hatcheries like Meyer, Murray McMurray and others. Jedds also carries it. Acidified Copper Sulfate can be used to treat sour crop and canker - it's used for a few other things too. You do want to make sure you read labels and follow directions, excess can be toxic. ACS cannot go into metal containers (don't use a metal spoon to stir it!) use glass or plastic (spoons and containers).

Antibiotics can be a little harder to get - you have vet care, so going through your vet is best, but most things can still be ordered online. Tractor Supply carries some basics as well.

I have bought a lot of medications and not used a single one. I hope I never have to use them. I don't care. While I do realize that a lot of people cannot afford to do this, I'm too far from the store to think I can get there and back at the drop of a dime, so I just want to be as prepared as possible.

But, you know, @Wyorp Rock , I wish you or one of the others who have dealt with these medications and know so much more than me, would put a list together for us.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have bought a lot of medications and not used a single one. I hope I never have to use them. I don't care. While I do realize that a lot of people cannot afford to do this, I'm too far from the store to think I can get there and back at the drop of a dime, so I just want to be as prepared as possible.

But, you know, @Wyorp Rock , I wish you or one of the others who have dealt with these medications and know so much more than me, would put a list together for us.

I think there may be some lists somewhere. But honestly, there's soooooo many things and medications change too.

Poultry DVM has an o.k. list of conditions and medications that could be used as a "guideline" of course accuracy always needs to be checked and researched. My understanding is, it in not associated or written by vets, but it's a "decent" place to start. The symptom checker is worthless though. http://www.poultrydvm.com/

 

[CaptainSamH]

Glad you will be seeing a vet. Have them run a fecal float to check for Coccidiosis and worms.
There's quite a bit of urates in there, could be she's a little dehydrated. I do see what looks like intestinal shedding as

Me too, though its not something I can do regularly ($$$), it sounds callous, but this particular pullet is the one who is most like a pet to my daughters - my oldest snuggles her almost everyday after school.

 

[coach723]

It's not callous, we all have limits at some level, of time and budget. That's why so many of us treat so many things ourselves. And many simply don't have access to a vet that will see a chicken or have a clue about them. Having one that will simply do a fecal test for you is a blessing.

 

[CaptainSamH]

It's not callous, we all have limits at some level, of time and budget. That's why so many of us treat so many things ourselves. And many simply don't have access to a vet that will see a chicken or have a clue about them. Having one that will simply do a fecal test for you is a blessing.

Thanks. And the irony is that I called all over for an avian vet only to find out there's a doc right nearby! Fecal test underway...