Sick chicken don't know what to do next?

[KODIAK]

I have a RIR hen 18 months old , Came down with diarrhea a couple of weeks ago , gave it yogurt really hasn't been eating much. It is walking around real slow like it is stuffed after thanksgiving dinner.Tried the warm bath thinking it is egg bound loved the bath and blow dry but no change.Tonight it is sleeping on the floor not on the roost I just don't know what to try next ?Anyone

Thanks Charlie

 

[KODIAK]

I also forgot to mention when she is sitting her tail continuously slightly bobs up and down ! please any ideas would be helpful.

Charlie

 

[karen71]

Charlie
do you have her isolated to make sure she's not eating - and to see how the poo looks - have they been wormed - I not the best at this but it may get you moved up on the list
good luck !

 

[blackcat0229]

Dear Worried,

1st ISOLATE that chicken. Most diarrheas are bacterial, & spread very easily. Dispose of all soiled litter where it cannot infect other chickens. Wash your hands before & after you handle the bird & its litter. Get some cheap "hand disinfectant" to use liberally on your hands when you work around your "sickie". You don't need this diarrhea either, & some bacteria also like people & dogs.

2. Keep in a draft free, reasonably warm area. Most birds can tolerate "cooler" but not "draftier". If bird is "on the floor" make a dry straw nest a& be sure it is protected from drafts, & attacks from other birds.

3. Antibiotics - it sounds like E. coli diarrhea, or coccicidosis - aviary antibiotics are available from vets, McMurray Hatchery - added to drinking water. Sometimes TSC carries them, but not in my area. The typical one used is neomycin or auromycin.

4. Give clean drinking water twice a day, keep drinking bowl clean. White vinegar & water rinse does great.

5. You can even add a little 1/4 tsp to 1 pint water to drinking water - it helps the diarrhea. Add a bit, maybe just under a tablespoon of brown or white sugar to the water so bird is getting some easily digestible calories. Gatorade works too, but diluted 1/2 strength.

6. Be patient. Don't put the bird back into the flock until it has no diarrhea for at least a week, and has regained it's strength.

Good luck. Some make it, some are too weak. I hope yours is one of the strong ones!

 

[babsbag]

I am no expert at this, actually new to chickens. But I do know that coccidiosis will not respond to antibiotics. If you are treating for that you need to use Corid or Sulmet. I don't think that older birds get cocci very often, but I think I have seen posts on BYC where some have reported older birds that have tested positive for cocci. You can get Corid at most feed stores.

I hope she gets better.

 

[ranchhand]

What feed has she been on?
When was the last time she laid an egg?
Can you feel an egg within her?
What color is the diarrhea?

Do isolate her. It could be a feed problem, (if she had something she shouldn't), it could be egg bound, or internal laying. Cocci would be very unusual if the others don't have it.

 

[KODIAK]

Thanks for all the replys folks.Her diarrhea is white water. She is just moving real slow picks around the yard but doesn't respond to treats ect, I gave her some yogurt by spreading it on her to lick off.Don't know the last time she layed an egg but I am going to isolate her tonight.When I gave her the warm bath I really didn't feel any egg.this has been going on for 3 weeks now, she is by far my biggest hen so she looks good just not acting well.




Thanks Charlie

 

[KODIAK]

Just checked them she sits on the floor and her tail is bobing up and down slightly, don't know what to make of it.She sticks to herself out in the yard and scratches real slow.

Charlie

 

[blackcat0229]

Dear Charlie,
The "tail bobbing" may be like "dry squirts" in humanoids. The body is trying to flush some thing out of the intestines, and it cramps and pushes even if there is nothing to "push". At least she's strong enough she's still hanging in there - that's a good sign.

 

[KODIAK]

update Chicken the same , What ever is wrong with it is not contagious.This has been going on for 3 weeks now and my others are fine.It's eyes are real red not the normal orange color RIR have crop is big as well stays on it's own and scratches but really won't eat treats .

Charlie