So just this afternoon I noticed two of my Buff Orpingtons with the symptoms in the title. They can walk reasonably well, but frequently stagger, and occasionally "sit down" or fall over. Both also have runny yellow poop - almost entirely liquid and borderline explosive. Nothing showing around their vents or or butts, relatively clean there. They don't seem particularly lethargic or depressed, but possibly not moving around as much as usual.
Based on this thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-loosing-balance-tail-down-stands-alot.1665470/ I tried to give them some electrolytes and mushy boiled egg and feed. We tried to use dropper to get electrolytes in them, but were only marginally successful. I've read several threads and getting a LOT of ideas, but nothing very definitive. They are about 2.5 - 3 years old, and still laying so far as I know (at least until recently). I don't really keep track of which birds are laying and which aren't! They are in a large henhouse - about 12x24, with a 4x8 coop housing another 9 birds. They have a 30x30 outside run as well. I will admit I don't keep the coop as clean as I should, so it's certainly possible they picked up something there.
So far I've isolated them (together) along with the food mix and water with electrolytes. I've also cleaned the coop (yes, the horse already left the barn, but it can't hurt). Obviously hoping my other birds don't get it, whatever it is!
HELP! Any ideas very welcome. Should I start them on antibiotics? Probiotics? I am pretty certain I have no local experts to rely on, so hoping I can find some here.
Based on this thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-loosing-balance-tail-down-stands-alot.1665470/ I tried to give them some electrolytes and mushy boiled egg and feed. We tried to use dropper to get electrolytes in them, but were only marginally successful. I've read several threads and getting a LOT of ideas, but nothing very definitive. They are about 2.5 - 3 years old, and still laying so far as I know (at least until recently). I don't really keep track of which birds are laying and which aren't! They are in a large henhouse - about 12x24, with a 4x8 coop housing another 9 birds. They have a 30x30 outside run as well. I will admit I don't keep the coop as clean as I should, so it's certainly possible they picked up something there.
So far I've isolated them (together) along with the food mix and water with electrolytes. I've also cleaned the coop (yes, the horse already left the barn, but it can't hurt). Obviously hoping my other birds don't get it, whatever it is!
HELP! Any ideas very welcome. Should I start them on antibiotics? Probiotics? I am pretty certain I have no local experts to rely on, so hoping I can find some here.
