Stumbling, sitting down/falling over, runny yellow poop - what is it?

[cokid]

I have two Buff Orps exhibiting the above behavior. I first noticed it yesterday afternoon. They aren't terrible, getting around alright overall, but definitely not right. They do a lot of putting their tails down and more or less falling on their butts. I've seen both have fairly explosive, runny yellow poop. Last night I isolated them into a large crate, fed them chopped egg and soft feed, and water with electrolytes. They are eating eagerly and drinking. This morning they seem somewhat better. So far none of the others (another 9 adults plus 5 pullets, various breeds including two other BO's) seem affected. I thoroughly cleaned the cooop and put down new bedding. They do have a large henhouse, 12x24', so cleaning that floor (dirt) is a daunting task, but if it's advisable, I can give it a go. Any thoughts/ideas very welcome. I'm especially wondering if I should put them on either antibiotics or probiotics. Also, can I overdue the electrolytes? It's the first time I've needed to do any of these things, so very unsure.

PS: I've read several threads on similar symptoms, but the possible causes are pretty bewildering/overwhelming, so I'm hoping someone with more knowledge and experience can help sort it out!

 

[berlyannpotter]

Yellow diarrhea in chickens can indicate several issues, including digestive problems, infections, or parasitic infestations. It could be a sign of coccidiosis (a parasitic infection), bacterial infections like Salmonella, or even kidney malfunction. Other potential causes include worms, viral infections, or a feed too high in protein. <---- Source: Google AI

 

[Eggcessive]

How old are the 2 buff orp hens? Do they normally lay eggs? Have you noticed any soft eggs or abnormal egg shells? Can you check both of the hens’ crops, and tell us what they feel like—empty and flat, full, hard, doughy, or puffy/squishy? Have they been wormed recently? What are you feeding them in luding any treats/scraps? Can you post a picture of their typical droppings, and of the hes? Do they show any signs of starting to molt?

Electrolytes are fine for a day or two, but may cause diarrhea after more than 5 days. Are they eating and drinking?

 

[cokid]

How old are the 2 buff orp hens? Do they normally lay eggs? Have you noticed any soft eggs or abnormal egg shells? Can you check both of the hens’ crops, and tell us what they feel like—empty and flat, full, hard, doughy, or puffy/squishy? Have they been wormed recently? What are you feeding them in luding any treats/scraps? Can you post a picture of their typical droppings, and of the hes? Do they show any signs of starting to molt?

Electrolytes are fine for a day or two, but may cause diarrhea after more than 5 days. Are they eating and drinking?

Thanks for the reply. They are 3 YO, possibly one is 5 YO (but pretty sure not). I did have one soft shell about 3 months ago, but just one, and nothing since. I don't really know who's laying in my flock - other than the Americanas - but I get around 6 eggs a day from 8 3YO and 2 5YO, so they're generally doing well and very consistent. Today with those two out of commission I still got 4 eggs, and the day's not over yet!

Their crops were empty last night, have not checked today. I will do that in my next check on them (an hour or two). They have been eating well all day.

I've always fed my flock the Purina Layena pellets, occasionally vegetable or grain kitchen scraps. No sign of molting. I've never had them wormed. Here's a link to a couple videos and a picture of this morning's poop: https://photos.app.goo.gl/fBG1o4pDEXoWgYuQ8. I did find a new poop in their isolation pen just now, it was actually pretty normal - soft but well-formed. I didn't get a pic of that (yet).