Sick Chicken, One dead already, totally lost! Help!

[susieq2002]

Earlier this week, one of my Plymouth Rocks died. She had been showing signs of sleepiness, lethargy, labored breathing, extremely thirsty and not interested in what the rest of the flock was doing. I had separated her since the flock decided to attack, but she died within a day of being separated from the flock. Now another one of my Plymouth Rocks is starting to show the same signs. (extreme thirst, sleepiness, lethargy) I've looked up all kinds of chicken diseases but can't pinpoint exactly what this is. I'm afraid it might be bird flu. Any suggestions would be very helpful! My Plymouth Rocks are 3 years old. Thank you!

 

[peacock 05]

It could be the bird flu

 

[ten chicks]

Earlier this week, one of my Plymouth Rocks died. She had been showing signs of sleepiness, lethargy, labored breathing, extremely thirsty and not interested in what the rest of the flock was doing. I had separated her since the flock decided to attack, but she died within a day of being separated from the flock. Now another one of my Plymouth Rocks is starting to show the same signs. (extreme thirst, sleepiness, lethargy) I've looked up all kinds of chicken diseases but can't pinpoint exactly what this is. I'm afraid it might be bird flu. Any suggestions would be very helpful! My Plymouth Rocks are 3 years old. Thank you!

What does their poop look like? Any discharge from eyes/nostrils? Look up info on Coccidiosis,older chickens can get cocci,there are 9 species of Coccidiosis so it is possible that a strain that your chickens have no immunity to,has been brought into your area. Some symptoms are runny/watery poop,fluffed feathers,lethargic. Symptoms you are describing could be several issues,difficult to pinpoint exactly which one it is.

 

[susieq2002]

I'm at work right now, so I will double check the poop in the coop when I get home. From what I noticed with the chicken that died, her poop was runny & white-ish & had a horrible smell, which was a very different smell from the other chickens. There is no discharge from the eyes or nostrils on this bird or the bird that died. But, the bird that died kept her feathers fluffed all the time. The bird that is sick right now is not showing signs of fluffing her feathers yet, but she just doesn't seem to want to do anything but sleep. I had started treating the bird that died with medication for Coccidiosis, but I was too late and she passed quickly. Thank you for your help though, I really appreciate it.

 

[susieq2002]

That's what I'm afraid it is. I'm hoping that it's another disease that is treatable, but so far, all the symptoms are pointing towards bird flu. I know wild birds have been eating the leftover cracked corn in the chicken run, so there might be a possibility that one of the wild birds is a carrier. However, I'm still holding out hope that it might be another disease. Thank you for your help.

 

[ten chicks]

I'm at work right now, so I will double check the poop in the coop when I get home. From what I noticed with the chicken that died, her poop was runny & white-ish & had a horrible smell, which was a very different smell from the other chickens. There is no discharge from the eyes or nostrils on this bird or the bird that died. But, the bird that died kept her feathers fluffed all the time. The bird that is sick right now is not showing signs of fluffing her feathers yet, but she just doesn't seem to want to do anything but sleep. I had started treating the bird that died with medication for Coccidiosis, but I was too late and she passed quickly. Thank you for your help though, I really appreciate it.

Keep up the Corid for Coccidiosis,runny/watery white poop can also be an indication of cocci.

 

[susieq2002]

I have Sulment at home, but I'm going to scoot over to the feed store during my lunch break to see if they have any Corid. From what I've read, Corid is much safer and kills more cocci. Thank you so much for all of your help! I really think this might be what my girls have. I'll be sure to post an update if the Corid works.

 

[Eggcessive]

Bloody poop is a later sign of coccidosis. Lethargy, puffing up, staying off to one's self are probably the most common signs from what I have read. Treat all your chickens for 5 days, and mix new medicated water every 24 hours.

 

[peacock 05]

It might be cocci with the symptoms you explained!

 

[countrycakelady]

Mine started just like this...I had 3 of 14 who definitely were sick..thankfully did not lose any...but treated everyone, and it has worked....I think I caught them in the 'early stages'.....never saw bloody poo, but they had all the other symptoms that you are describing....Corid is the best med for cocci I think.