Sick Chicken! Yellow poop

[newchickenlady7]

Having the oyster shell mixed into the food isn't adequate for some hens that may need higher calcium intake. For this reason, oyster shell should be provided free choice so each hen can satisfy her own calcium cravings.

The consequences of inadequate calcium is a reproductive system that may not function at optimum levels, risking poor shell quality, inconsistent ovulation, and other reproductive glitches.

I'd hold off on the antibiotic at this time and continue with the calcium supplement once a day for a couple days and see how things shake out.

The antibiotic I suggest is amoxicillin, sold as "fish mox" in pet stores and online. 250mg capsule once a day for ten days. It might be wise to obtain it and have it on hand should we determine this is an infection that needs to be treated rather than a laying issue.

Being she isn’t eating, what’s the best way to get calcium in her. I’ve offered her grit but she won’t eat it.
I will add a container of grit to help improve their calcium levels. I’m still new at this and appreciate the help.

 

[azygous]

What do you consider "grit"? Oyster shell is different from grit, one being calcium carbonate, and the other granite gravel. The first dissolves in water and digestive acids while granite grit does not, making it suitable for grinding food in the gizzard. Oyster shell dissolves into a slimy mush so it isn't suitable to grind food in the gizzard.

A chicken doesn't need to eat to be given a pill. Just shove it into her beak and she will swallow with no problem.

 

[newchickenlady7]

What do you consider "grit"? Oyster shell is different from grit, one being calcium carbonate, and the other granite gravel. The first dissolves in water and digestive acids while granite grit does not, making it suitable for grinding food in the gizzard. Oyster shell dissolves into a slimy mush so it isn't suitable to grind food in the gizzard.

A chicken doesn't need to eat to be given a pill. Just shove it into her beak and she will swallow with no problem.

We’ve started using a grit made of ground limestone. It was recommended to us by the lady at the feed store as a supplement being we don’t free range our chickens quite yet (too many large birds around, we’re working on building a chicken tractor).

I would also like to note that her comb has began to fall and lose its bright red color and she keeps her right eye mainly closed. She’s also began hiding where ever she can, often behind her waterer in the corner of her cage.

 

[azygous]

Some people refer to calcium carbonate, which is what limestone is, as "grit". It is not grit in the true sense. All forms of calcite (limestone) will dissolve in water and acid. It is an excellent source of calcium for chickens and even people. If you take a Tums for heartburn, it's derived from limestone. It works by dissolving in your stomach acids and fluids and absorbing the excess acid, making your tummy feel better.

True grit (not the classic movie) is granite which is a very hard rock that doesn't dissolve in acid, so it works in a chicken's gizzard like garbage disposal blades to grind up food.

Can you see the difference? Laying hens need calcium carbonate to make egg shells, and they also need grit to grind up the food they eat. They are different and you can't substitute one for the other.

 

[azygous]

If this is a bacterial infection is unlikely it directly contagious so I wouldn't worry about isolating them.

I suggest ordering the antibiotic as soon as you can. Whatever this is isn't likely to kill either hen in the time it takes before you get the med. Meanwhile, keep reporting their behavior and monitor their poop for any changes.

Also, watch for cecal poop. Cecal poop can be an indicator of a blockage in the reproductive tract. As long as you see regular cecals from both hens, there's less of a chance this is due to egg binding.

 

[newchickenlady7]

This is her current back end. Not looking so hot, very pink/red and lots of weird green and yellow poop. She has drank a few times on her own but still super sleepy with no interest to eat.

 

[Persassy]

How long has it been since she ate? If she is super sleepy she may be thirsty and hungry I have one chicken who won't eat nor drink on her own but as soon as I made her eat she did much much better. But as fo the poop I can't help with that one

 

[newchickenlady7]

How long has it been since she ate? If she is super sleepy she may be thirsty and hungry I have one chicken who won't eat nor drink on her own but as soon as I made her eat she did much much better. But as fo the poop I can't help with that one

She picked at food until maybe Wednesday. So she hasn’t ate in 2 maybe 3 days. How were you able to get your hen to eat? I’ve tried holding the container up to her and putting it in my had and nothing.

 

[azygous]

Try feeding your sick chicken along with another one. They suddenly will develop an appetite when they are triggered into competing with another chicken for the food. I find boiled rice with cottage cheese, an egg, or yogurt inspires interest.

 

[newchickenlady7]

Unfortunately I went into the coop this morning and my sick chicken was dead in her cage.

I’m worried there’s more to this thing my girls are getting. I now have 2 girls with the starting of a runny butt. One of the girls is acting fine while the newest poopy one seems down. It could be she sad over the loss of her sister but I’m unsure. She’s usually all over the place and hyper, but today she’s just standing around. I’m still open to any help anyone can give me.