(Food info at bottom) I have 12 birds. 1 Black Australorp hen (not affected), 1 Golden Laced Wyandotte cockerel (not affected), and 10 Golden Laced Wyandotte hens (at least half affected)....
1 hen is definitely the worst off...ate this morning but is now extremely swollen and just wants to lay in the shade. (I wouldn't say she's lethargic, she is definitely alert.)
My husband noticed their crops appeared swollen, but I had seen it on and off but nothing really seemed consistent or wrong...It definitely seemed like it always went down and I don't recall seeing anyone swollen in the mornings. (1st time owners.) They are all approximately 6mos old.
Today definitely seems to be more definitive, something is affecting the flock. Given the number of birds, I would presume it is more likely to be sour crop. Any help of what to add to water, etc would be greatly appreciated. Below I will post some background info. Thank you.
Background Info: 64sq' coop with perches and boxes (small house like structure with windows and doors, ventilation at the top...I have not noticed any respiratory symptoms)
ACV added to water consistently, since acquisition as chicks. Water changed frequently, and they definitely know where it is at all times.
Coop is cleaned indepthly weekly (more if needed, but usually not)... nesting boxes cleaned daily. Food Grade DE used under pine shavings...dust bath made of wood stove ash, pine food grade DE, and sawdust available at all times.
Free range from morning until evening...Feed (always available) was just switched from medicated chick starter crumbles to pellets within the last month. They have been getting their own egg shells crushed and fed back to them. No signs of poo issues.
1 hen is definitely the worst off...ate this morning but is now extremely swollen and just wants to lay in the shade. (I wouldn't say she's lethargic, she is definitely alert.)
My husband noticed their crops appeared swollen, but I had seen it on and off but nothing really seemed consistent or wrong...It definitely seemed like it always went down and I don't recall seeing anyone swollen in the mornings. (1st time owners.) They are all approximately 6mos old.
Today definitely seems to be more definitive, something is affecting the flock. Given the number of birds, I would presume it is more likely to be sour crop. Any help of what to add to water, etc would be greatly appreciated. Below I will post some background info. Thank you.
Background Info: 64sq' coop with perches and boxes (small house like structure with windows and doors, ventilation at the top...I have not noticed any respiratory symptoms)
ACV added to water consistently, since acquisition as chicks. Water changed frequently, and they definitely know where it is at all times.
Coop is cleaned indepthly weekly (more if needed, but usually not)... nesting boxes cleaned daily. Food Grade DE used under pine shavings...dust bath made of wood stove ash, pine food grade DE, and sawdust available at all times.
Free range from morning until evening...Feed (always available) was just switched from medicated chick starter crumbles to pellets within the last month. They have been getting their own egg shells crushed and fed back to them. No signs of poo issues.
