About a month ago one of my hens started acting weird, (not eating or drinking as much, showing less interest in the treats I brought her, runny poop, not sleeping on her perch anymore, loss of balance, and seemed to not know how to peck around on the ground). She started to improve, then yesterday I found her dead. 4 days ago (before the first hens death) another hen started to show similar symptoms (loss of interest in food and water+treats, runny poop and sleeping on the ground instead of her perch). I am afraid if I can't find out what this is I will lose both of my friendly hens. I put some tetracycline 250 in her water (anti-biotic) as it is the only one I have at the moment. anyone have any ideas what this is and if there is anything I can do to stop it and save her? I don't want to lose another bird!
How old are your hens? If lethargy and diarrhea were the only symptoms, then I would treat for possible coccidiosis with Corid (amprollium) in the water. Dosage is 1 1/2 tsp of the powder per gallon of water for 5 days. This is found in the cattle medicines at feed stores. Tetracycline is more for respiratory diseases. Here is an article to read: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/coccidiosis-what-backyard-chicken.html One thing to look for is that the hens are getting plenty of cool water, and not drinking enough due to bullying or water being too warm in hot weather. I like multiple bowls of water in the shade, so they all drink as much as possible. Mareks disease can sometimes be a problem, and dehydration or cocci can sometimes look like Mareks due to extreme weakness.
