Sick Chickens

[Samjbow]

We are first time chicken owners and got our 4 girls about 2 months ago. They are about 10 months old. 2 weeks in one stopped laying eggs and holding her tail down. Thought it was because I changed the food and she would adjust. 2 more weeks later she started having diarrhea that had gotten increasingly worse. 1 week ago another chicken starting hacking and trying to clear her throat. I'm treating for cocci an worms right now but it's been a few days and they are not looking better. I don't want them to die but I do understand that can happen. But I really don't want them to suffer. Does anyone have any ideas what could be wrong

 

[All4Eggz]

@Eggcessive
@Wyorp Rock

They should be able to help.

 

[arwoon]

@aart

 

[Wyorp Rock]

We are first time chicken owners and got our 4 girls about 2 months ago. They are about 10 months old. 2 weeks in one stopped laying eggs and holding her tail down. Thought it was because I changed the food and she would adjust. 2 more weeks later she started having diarrhea that had gotten increasingly worse. 1 week ago another chicken starting hacking and trying to clear her throat. I'm treating for cocci an worms right now but it's been a few days and they are not looking better. I don't want them to die but I do understand that can happen. But I really don't want them to suffer. Does anyone have any ideas what could be wrong

What are you using treat for Coccidiosis and worms? (products and dosage)

What are you feeding, including treats?
Do you provide oyster shell?
Do you provide grit?
If you feel the abdomen of the one with the tail down is there any bloat or fluid?

Hacking and clearing the throat? What does her crop feel like - is it emptying overnight?

 

[Samjbow]

What are you using treat for Coccidiosis and worms? (products and dosage)

What are you feeding, including treats?
Do you provide oyster shell?
Do you provide grit?
If you feel the abdomen of the one with the tail down is there any bloat or fluid?

Hacking and clearing the throat? What does her crop feel like - is it emptying overnight?

Using Corid powder 2 tsp/gallon for coccidiosis for 6 days now and safeguard pellets (about 6 pellets per bird added to yogurt) for 2 days now.
They only get their laying hen feed and I crush up their eggshells and feed them back. Their had been almost no treats since the one for sick almost a month ago. Maybe a little grass my kids threw in the run.
I have the two sick ones a bath today and thought the one with tail down seemed a bit bloated - not much though - and this is based on my very limited experience. If there was bloat or fluid would it be plainly obvious?
Didn't know what a crop was until I googled it just now I will have to check that tomorrow. Although that has seemed to stop since I feed the worming meds.
After their baths the one with the tail down has already started accumulating more feces on her back feathers so it's not been resolved.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

How do you know 6 pellets will effectively treat the birds?

Generally it's much easier to treat each bird to ensure they are getting the medication they need. Safeguard liquid goat dewormer or equine paste can be given at a dose of .23ml per pound of weight orally once a day for 5 days. This dose will take care of most worms that poultry can have except for tapeworms.

Do you also provide grit? I would definitely check their crops to make sure they are emptying overnight.

I would also provide oyster shell free choice. While layer feed does have calcium and egg shells do too - some birds need more, so oyster shell will provide that.

 

[Samjbow]

I was basing it off of weight for the turkey treatment. Did my best to work out the math anyway, and the number of oz ended up being about 6 pellets/bird. Do you think it's okay to follow the pellets with the goat treatment?
What about the stuff that goes on the back of the neck. Is that okay too?
Sorry I am new...I thought they got grit from like rocks and stuff in the ground?
I will do my best to check the crop but this bird is not a fan of being handled as much.

 

[Samjbow]

I was basing it off of weight for the turkey treatment. Did my best to work out the math anyway, and the number of oz ended up being about 6 pellets/bird. Do you think it's okay to follow the pellets with the goat treatment?
What about the stuff that goes on the back of the neck. Is that okay too?
Sorry I am new...I thought they got grit from like rocks and stuff in the ground?
I will do my best to check the crop but this bird is not a fan of being handled as much.

Thank very much for your insights!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I was basing it off of weight for the turkey treatment. Did my best to work out the math anyway, and the number of oz ended up being about 6 pellets/bird. Do you think it's okay to follow the pellets with the goat treatment?
What about the stuff that goes on the back of the neck. Is that okay too?
Sorry I am new...I thought they got grit from like rocks and stuff in the ground?
I will do my best to check the crop but this bird is not a fan of being handled as much.

Stuff that goes on the back of the neck? Ivermectin? What are you trying to treat - lice?
Ivermectin can treat lice/mites and may still be effective for roundworms.
I'm not sure what your goals/what you are trying to treat at this point.

Grit is crushed granite, it used in the gizzard to help process foods. Some folks have sufficient rocks/soil that is suitable for grit while others don't. I err on the side of caution and just provide grit - it's economical and will last a long time.

 

[Samjbow]

I thought there was a worming medication that went at the base of the neck.
I'll see what oral meds are at the feed store, and grit too