I posted a thread about the leghorn I lost recently. Now I have lost two guineas. The leghorn was basically standing still and not responding, and the next day she passed away. Today I found a dead guinea in the coop, and one outside that was barely alive. His head was flopping back, he seemed unable to hold it up. By the time I had the playpen set up, he was dying. My main concern is that the three incidents could be related. Both the guinea and the leghorn flapped and spasmed just before they died. I could use a lot of help, as I have no idea what it could be. I will give them some electrolytes and probiotics tomorrow morning. Also, both guineas were males, and the leghorn was a hen. I don't know if that will help or not, just thought I should mention that. Please help!
Any chance they got into any type of poison? Rat poison? Any chemicals, insecticides, herbicides? Rancid or moldy feed, wet feed? Exposure to compost which is anaerobic? Sounds like botulism poisoning. Any exposure to a heat lamp? What are you using for bedding in coop or run?
No poison that I know of, though they are free ranging. I am going to keep them locked up tomortow, though that isn't permanent. Maybe the neighbor had something out. There is a compost pile, though it's mostly chicken litter. As for bedding, they have wood shavings, I think pine. They do have heat lamps, and they are not coated with teflon. Maybe their water got some food wet, and someone could have pooped in it. They sometimes perch on the edge of the feeder. If I had to take a guess, the guineas could be getting into something outside. Sadly, being locked up all the time is not an option with guineas. Thanks for replying, and I hope I have given you sufficient information.
Just looked up botulism. The symptoms do sound exactly like the leghorn, and the paralysis sounds like the guinea. I just cleaned the coop a couple of days ago, so it shouldn't be the bedding. Will the bacteria clear up if it's outside, or will it just get worse? I don't know how long they can stay locked up for...
I lost 2 Rhode Island in a very similar manner about a 6 weeks ago. I can't say for sure it was Botulism but didn't take any chance and gave the rest of the flock tylan-50, 1/2cc orally ED for 7 days. also added amoxicillin, 1g per gallon of water for about 2 weeks. btw sorry to hear... 'they're just chickens' they say... but always sucks and sad to lose 'em .
Thank you, @TeenageRooster's Dad. I don't think it would be possible to give oral medicine, as the guineas are more wild than tame. I could do amoxicillin after the probiotics and electrolytes if that would help.