Two-month-old chicks/pullets are dying, please advise

[BlindLemonChicken]

Can you get ivermectin?

 

[WingItRanch]

I'm in Israel, and it seems no one ships here. Probably because we need prescription for amprolium.

Sorry, I didn't realize you were not in the US. Amprolium is what you need but I don't know how controlled it is in Israel.

I did a little research and you might also be able to use Toltrazuril (Baycox), Diclazuril, or Sulfadimethoxine if those are available without a prescription. I don't know the dosage for those.

 

[Polish Hens]

Can you get ivermectin?

I will try and see if it's available. Thanks.

Sorry, I didn't realize you were not in the US. Amprolium is what you need but I don't know how controlled it is in Israel.

I did a little research and you might also be able to use Toltrazuril (Baycox), Diclazuril, or Sulfadimethoxine if those are available without a prescription. I don't know the dosage for those.

Thanks for the research! I will also try to look into those.

 

[Beau plus penny]

Hi all,

So until about a week ago I had 27 healthy chicks, all 7 to 8 weeks old. They have all made it through their younger days, and I was very happy about it. Then about a week ago I found one of them dead – none looked weak or ill the evening before, and the dead chick was whole – no injuries, no poop on its butt. I was sad, but, okay, some die, and I know it happens. Then I found another one dead last Friday. Once again, no external signs of injury. I became concerned. Went to the coop this morning (Monday) and found a chick that looked weak and aphatic. Took it inside, tried hydrating it with sugary water + some salt as electrolytes, but the chick is deteriorating rapidly, and now I just wish it won’t suffer too long. I tried to water it since it’s the only thing I can do; I don’t have chicken meds. My chicks all have access to fresh and clean water. Went to the coop again, ten minutes ago, and there’s another one looking unwell. It still looks better than the one I found this morning, but it won’t run around from me, like the rest of the bunch. I’m afraid it’s about to go through the same process.

There’s one reason I can think of, but it’s not a very plausible one, in my opinion. It’s not our first time raising chicks, and we had no issues with this practice before, but the thing is we fed them starter feed until they were about four weeks old, and then switched to layer feed. I know the common wisdom is you are not supposed to feed them layer feed until they are 16 weeks old or so; the thing is we can’t get starter feed easily around here, and have to drive far away to get it, while we can get layer feed nearby. Plus, once again, had no issues with this practice of switching early before. I will now drive and get starter feed tomorrow morning and switch them to it, but I’m afraid it’s not actually the issue, and am afraid of losing the entire bunch.

I feel sad, heartbroken, guilty, and mostly helpless. What should I do to assist my chicks? I hate losing birds in general, but losing them at this stage, when they are almost pullets, is even more disheartening. Can I do something to prevent the last bird spotted today from dying?

I would really appreciate your advice.

were they really stiff with their neck feathers sticking straight up. i would get some corid as soon as poosible, its probably coccidiosis. coccidiosis will start out just one dead each day after 3 days for our flock at least we had 3 die in one day and then we got corid one didnt make it after treatment started i figured her condition had progressed too far for her too recover. hope no more die.

 

[Eggcessive]

As said, Amprollium (Corid in the US) as well as toltazuril or sulfadimethoxine or other sulfa antibiotic including Bactrim will treat coccidiosis. Call a vet office or check with feed or agricultural stores. Cattle are treated for scours with amprollium. There used to be a BYC member in in Israel who was active here for awhile and might be able to help with getting meds. I think his name was Bennie, but I will tag @casportpony in case she remembers his name. It is @Akrnaf2

 

[Eggcessive]

@Akrnaf2 is the one I remember that would know where to find meds. @Mrs. Light Sussex and @Kyng are also members located in Israel and could be PM’d for advice on where to get coccidiosis meds.

 

[Polish Hens]

@Akrnaf2 is the one I remember that would know where to find meds. @Mrs. Light Sussex and @Kyng are also members located in Israel and could be PM’d for advice on where to get coccidiosis meds.

Thanks a lot! I will try to DM those members right away.

 

[CherishedFowlGuardian]

Keep us posted!

 

[Polish Hens]

Keep us posted!

I will, thanks!

 

[cocosandy]

Haven't seen any watery poop until now, but will now monitor for it. Yes, the one I saw today stands around hunched and looks dull, I will have to watch it to see if it tries to eat. I'm not in the US, and I don't believe I can just buy Corid around here, I will try to find a vet that knows something about chickens. I'm afraid it won't be easy though.

Can you call a vet and ask them for an Rx? I would also keep Denaguard on hand because it treats upper respiratory infections...just in case. You may be able to order some online and have it shipped to you. But shipping will probably be expensive. They also make a powder. What kinds of chicken medicine do they have there? Can you ask the feed store people? Do they offer medicated starter feed? That has Amprolium in it. Have you got any antibiotics in the house? There may be a way to figure out a dose from human antibiotics....and also fish antibiotics. But you would have to search online to make sure its the right kind of antibiotic for cocci infection. If its a gram positive or gram negative infection etc. They get this from pecking around and also dirty water. Be sure the water is clean. Its not your fault. This happens all the time. You just need to build up a medical kit by hook or crook and if you can feed medicated feed there, get that for chicks always and use it for the first 12 weeks.