sick hens

[vgerks]

I have one orrpington die with no symptoms. We had to put one barred rock down yesterday. She was walking like she was drunk, laying with one wing out and twirling her head backwards. Almost like she was watching something in the sky. Now today I have a sex link that has her tail feathers down and moving very slow and putting her head in the dirt and not bringing it up when I nudge her.

We have been giving the birds old apples, pears and scraps from the garden. This is not something new to the birds. I did buy some hay, which I normally put pine shavings down in the coop. This is the only think that is different for them. What could this be?

I have thirty one hens and now I've lost two in the last week and I fear the sex link will be next from her actions.

Any Ideas/treatments?

 

[seminolewind]

Is there any way that they ate something bad? Like got botulism? Or something toxic? Did you add any new birds recently?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/publications/6/diseases-of-poultry/216/vitamin-bi-deficiency
It could be "stargazing" which is associated with vitamin b1 deficiency (thiamine).

http://www.apa-abayouthpoultryclub.org/Edu_Material/VITAMINS.pdf

I would add vitamins to the water (available at the feed store for poultry). If the vitamins in your feed aren't fresh it can happen. It happens more in young birds.

Also, I'd not totally discount the possibility of mold problems. I have lost some to moldy feed and coop, and here is a link for that:
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/205400.htm

Check your coop and feed for any mold, or access to old compost where they can get sick.

 

[bigchicken56]

I am not sure what your hens have but i will suggest that you clean out your coop with Clorox. I am thinking your hens might have a problem with their inner ear. Hope your hens feel better.