Sick Chicken *update - chicken died*

[chickbea]

Have you looked on dlhunicorn's site? I think it's called Dragonflies and Dandelions. Anyway, you can follow her link from here. She has info on all sorts of chicken illnesses, treatments, and preventatives on there.

 

[Newchickenmom&kids]

Found this:

What Happens When Molds Grow in Feeds

Molds can grow on almost anything. As they grow, nutrients are destroyed and toxin are released. When molds grow in feeds they use up nutrients and vitamins that the birds should be getting. The data in Figure 1 illustrate how mold growth can destroy protein, fats and thiamin in grain. Molds can produce toxic substances call mycotoxins (such as aflatoxin). There are over 250 known mycotoxins produced by many different mold strains. When birds are exposed to high levels of mycotoxins they can cause gut irritation or digestive system problems, skeletal or leg problems, nervous system symptoms and impaired immunity. However, in most field cases birds are exposed to low levels of mycotoxins, which produce non-descript symptoms. Birds may just not seem right, but show no major signs.
Here's the link to the whole article:

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/382/is-mold-growth-hurting-your-performance

 

[dlhunicorn]

First off my condolences on the loss of your bird (mine are pets so I truly feel for your loss)... I suspect the feed was the source and to protect your other birds you need to clean up or throw out any suspect feed... it is why I feed only on pavement (to ensure no grains or pellets left behind that can get moldy... often the problem is there without actually being visible to the naked eye also ... a good rule of thumb is to ensure the feed is eaten within three weeks of opening the bag)

Moldy feed is deadly... there are many different mycotoxins and even when they do not kill your birds direct low level mycotoxins can weaken their immune systems and allow the bird to become ill from other things through this.

Here is some info on it:
http://www.asasea.com/po33_97.html
(excerpts)
".....Aflatoxin is the most commonly known mycotoxin in poultry feeding, but a number of other mycotoxins can result in adverse effects. For example, the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OA) is approximately three times more toxic to poultry than is aflatoxin (Table 3), and when present in combination, the depressing effects can be even more severe. Mycotoxins generally affect the liver (hepatotoxins) or the kidney (nephrotoxins). As a result, a number of adverse effects arise from mycotoxin contamination. The characteristic symptoms of mycotoxicosis in animals are a manifestation of the effects of mycotoxins on critical metabolic processes in the animals. Some of the most common effects include:

Pale and enlarged livers
Swollen kidneys
Oral lesions
Impaired immune function
Increased susceptibility to bruising
Decreased egg production and egg weight
Decreased bone strength
Increased intestinal fragility
Reduction in pigmentation
Inhibition of nutrient absorption
Reduced growth rate
The severity of the response to mycotoxins depends largely upon the specific mycotoxin present and the level of contamination. High levels can result in extreme mortality in a short period of time (Table 4), but more often, the adverse effects of low level mycotoxin contamination represents the greatest problem to the poultry industry. USDA workers (Bacon and Burdick, 1977) made a study of fungal population and growth in broiler .......

Storage areas
Of prime concern are those areas where ingredients can build up over time, as in crevices or corners of storage bins. Where possible, a routine should be followed where storage bins can be periodically emptied and throughly cleaned. .......

Feed storage
Be sure that feed is not building up on the side walls and in conveying equipment. All bins and associated equipment should receive periodic cleanout.........

Feed bins
Feed bins are probably one of the most troublesome areas in regard to buildup of mycotoxins. Bins should be checked periodically to make certain feed is not building up in auger troughs or on the bin walls. Bins should have good ventilation to minimize heat buildup and "sweating" of sidewalls.

Bagged feed
Storage of finished feed or raw material in bags presents problems especially in humid climates. Condensation and mold growth can occur easily in solid walled and lined bags as temperatures change. Jute and plastic mesh bags are particularily troublesome if recycled and used more than once for feed. Furthermore, the open nature of these bags allows humidity and mold spores to penetrate to the feed within.

Feeders
Generally conditions are ideal for mold growth and contamination in and around feeders. This area should be routinely checked for excess buildup and moisture......."

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/203500.htm
"...A mycotoxicosis is a disease caused by a toxin produced by a fungus. In poultry, this usually results when fungi grow in grains and feeds. Hundreds of mycotoxins have been identified and many are pathogenic. Mycotoxins may have additive or even synergistic effects with other mycotoxins, infectious agents, and nutritional deficiencies. Many are chemically stable and maintain toxicity over time. ..........
(the article gives a basic review of a few of the most commonly occuring mycotoxins and some dietary treatment options)

 

[tiffanyh]

Was the mold in the bag of food though???

I get mold in my coop occasionally after a rain or humid weather but the chickens don't touch it.

Im sorry for your loss.

 

[dlhunicorn]

...unfortunately you often do not see the mold... just needs the right temps and humidity to "set it off" ... a friend of mine had a problem with unopened bags of feed last summer... once she figured it out and changed feed the problem dissappeared within a week.

 

[GloriaH]

I'm sorry for your loss. It's hard to lose something you love. God will see you through if you let Him.