Tips for sick chickens

[anonymous1960]

Hello, i was just looking for any helpful tips that have worked for some of you with your sick chickens. You might say I'm between a rock and a hard place right now, here's the problem: i have three chickens right now who all have symptoms consisting of.....loss of weight, all puffed up, not very active, and seem to be sore in the abdominal area. Now see we did have a hen like this a few months ago who turned out to have a reproductive infection. We took her to the vet and got some antibiotics, so she's as good as new now. But we simply can not keep taking every chicken that is sick to the vet. So i would really appreciate it if anyone had any other tips,such as homeopathic, that might help. I really want to try everyting i can for them. Thank you

 

[N F C]

Sorry to hear your birds are not feeling their best. You may be able to get some advice on the emergencies/diseases forum:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

Post as many details as you can think of, include a picture or two maybe, the more info you provide the better chance someone will be able to help you out.

Good luck!

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under anonymous1960

Welcome!

N F C has given you a good tip to post on the Emergencies & Diseases Forum. One thing that came to mind when I read you post though was worms may be?

I hope you enjoy BYC. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC!!!

 

[anonymous1960]

Thank you so much guys for the tips! This is my first time on BYC, so it was so nice to get some responses back so I can hopefully figure out what's wrong with the peeps. Also they are usually very active and all run to the door when I come in. but now some of them are just staying at the end of the coop all puffed up, not moving much. But they are still eating and drinking. Have any of you guys dealt with sick chickens before, and if so what did you do?

 

[Pork Pie]

I think it's safe to say that we all differ in our approach, when it comes to treating illnesses in our flock. Some peeps go to a vet, others (myself included) consider that the costs of going to a vet doesn't make financial sense. There are still a few things that you can try and do. I'd check for lice (and the roost / coop for mites) and treat accordingly. If you do not find evidence of lice / mites, then I'd de-worm them give them electrolytes / vitamin supplements. If there's no change then, I'd either post on the ER forum (link given by NFC) or read up on what possible ailment could be affecting them. It's a process of elimination.

 

[LoveInNature]

I remember when one of my girls had coryza the specialist bird vet told me to do the entire flock through medicine in their water. I am not sure whether you can do the same with whatever it is that ails your flock.

I got this description from a web site and there are many threads on here.
"Symptoms and Diagnosis. Outward signs of coccidiosis in chickens include droopiness and listlessness, loss of appetite, loss of yellow color in shanks, pale combs and wattles, ruffled, unthrifty feathers, huddling or acting chilled, blood or mucus in the feces, diarrhea, dehydration, and even death".

Chick starter has medicine to help with coccidiosis however I am not sure about ongoing prevention. I would probably research symptoms and see what is the closest. Do your research on cures and then make the tough decisions. All the best.

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello there, and welcome to the wonderful world of Backyard Chickens! I hope you will make yourself at home here and enjoy it as much as I have!