Sick hens, what is the matter?

[cluckcluck75]

I have 2 hens that are just puny. One is a RIR the other is an EE. Both are about 5-6mos old. They stand around in their outdoor "hut" with droopy tail feathers, close their eyes and are generally lethargic.
The EE has been acting this way on and off for weeks. One day I think it's her last, then the next morning she will seem fine, then again I'll find her hiding in the hut all droopy.
My RIR just stared last week. She didn't go up to roost one night, found her in the hut the next morning. She looks especially bad today. Standing with tail feathers way low, closing eyes slowly, etc.
No blood in poop I can see, nothing palpably wrong that I can find.
Not sure if they are both laying daily, hard to know what eggs are from whom.
I will not spend $ on vet or very much on meds, if any. As much as we enjoy them, they are for eggs, not pets. I also don't like the idea of treating the flock with meds that we can't use any eggs for weeks. Defeats the purpose of the chickens, but at the same time realize we could lose the flock if it's something they could all get and go untreated. I'm playing with the idea of using the ACV, garlic, cayenne pepper in the water. Anyone have luck with this?
Just don't have a clue how to proceed. This is our first year with chickens. Thanks for any advice in advance.

 

[Eggcessive]

Worms could be a possibility, or perhaps coccidiosis, although most chickens have started to develop immunity to cocci by that age. The best wormers are Valbazen and SafeGuard liquid Goat Wormer given once and then again in 10 days, and both have a 14 day withdrawal from the second dose (24 total.) Rooster Booster Triple Action Wormer does not have an egg withdrawal time. If you suspect coccidiosis (symptoms are lethargy, hunched or puffed up appearance, diarrhea or blood in droppings, and a poor appetite) then Corid (amprollium) is the best treatment in the water for 5 days. It has not egg withdrawal time. Dehydration or being kept from food and water by the others could also cause similar symptoms. What are they eating?

 

[cluckcluck75]

Worms sound like the culprit. They eat a layer feed from a local mill. They are outside all day in their fenced in 500 sq foot yard. Is the Rooster Booster just as effective as the others?

 

[Eggcessive]

You can always get a sample of regular and cecal droppings checked by your vet, or just worm themI think Valbazen or SafeGuard are better, since they are given in individual doses to the chickens, but since you were worry about throwing away eggs, that is the only one I know of in this country without a withdrawal time. I haven't used this product, but it is to be used in the feed for 5 days--1/3 ounce (1 scoop) per pound of feed. Here is a link: http://www.jefferspet.com/products/triple-action-multi-wormer

Valbazen dosage is 1/2 ml per chicken orally, and repeat in 10 days.
SafeGuard is 1/4 ml per pound given orally 3-5 days in a row for the most stubborn worms.

 

[cluckcluck75]

Thank you so very much! I really appreciate your wisdom