*UPDATE* She's pooping clear slimy liquid* (Sorry, graphic)

[jandmeg07]

Dixie was still with us this morning, but I'm worried about the stress that the loss of the other girls may be causing on her. I read on another post that the clear poo may be from stress and I hope to get her some electrolyte solution today also just in case. We had her in the house for quite awhile last night. Thank you so much for posting again. It means so much.

 

[Wynette]

The spot where it appears she's lost some feathers makes me wonder about parasites; has your girl been wormed? Have you closely checked for mites/lice? Hope you can figure out what's been going on in the flock.

I am a firm believer in Oxine solution; it's a disinfectant that you mix with water and spray. You can even spray it directly on the birds. I use it (except in winter) each and every week after I clean coops. I spray nest boxes, roosts, get the corners really well, etc. It will kill most any bacteria. Might be a good idea to invest in some, just in case. I also use it to spray down dog carriers after I've had a sick one in them. Hang in there!

 

[jandmeg07]

Thank you so much for the idea on the Oxine solution! I will look for that. Do you ever use DE? I've been reading a lot about that on here, too and was thinking we should get some this spring. Can I get de-wormer at our feed store do you think? If she doesn't have worms can it hurt her? (Think I read something about that on here) Thank you all for your advice and support...this is why I love BYC!!

 

[DDRanch]

I am so sorry for your losses. I'm afraid I can't offer any advice for you but in my opinion the feather loss looks like parasites or picking to me so am glad you are looking into that. Let us know how she does. I would keep her as quiet as possible.

 

[jandmeg07]

Well, I'm home from work and Dixie is not only still with us, but seems to have perked up quite a bit since yesterday. She's eating warm oatmeal and drinking water next to me as I type this. It's one of our warmest days here so far (45 or so) and when I got out there, she couldn't wait to get out of the coop! She even seemed to snuggle a bit when I picked her up, like she was glad to see me. This one is a fighter that is for sure. I've checked for lice and bugs and I just don't see any on her. I think what happened, from the behavior the last couple of days is that Donald our drake Rouen has been trying to mate with her and in doing so got the feathers on her neck. We fixed up the divider between them so she can't fly over to the duck side any more and he can't wiggle through to her.

I'd still like to know what happened to our other girls and am hoping we are now in the safe zone with Dixie. I asked Jason more about it last night (I've been afraid to ask for details, as we both get teary when we talk about them and he didn't want me to see them like that). He said it looked like something internal happened and their vents were damaged from the inside in a pushing out motion and covered in blood. I'm starting to have hope that whatever was wrong with Blanche, Rose, and Annie (RIP my sweet girls) has not affected Dixie.

 

[MarlaKaye]

Meg, I read that oatmeal doesn't digest correctly or something like that in chickens and is not satisfactory food. If I am wrong on this I will know soon enough. Seems to me it should be great when that is all one can get them to eat.
Sorry to be a worry wart, I am so worried right now about my silkie babe.
All my best to you in your efforts. (Hope she is all better soon)
MarlaKaye

 

[jandmeg07]

Marla...I hope everything turns out okay with your Silkie, too. From everything I've read, oatmeal is a good treat, but only in moderation and I cook it first so it doesn't swell in their bellies. Good luck to you and thank you!

 

[MoodyChicken]

Quote:
You are correct. Oatmeal is a diet food for chickens. It's high in fiber and fiber is practically worthless to chickens because it can't be fully digested. It's a good treat, but shouldn't be fed to sick birds which need a high protein diet. Baby parrot food is best and is of the same consistency, they like it.

It sounds like your birds canabalized each other and infection possibly set it. I had a hen who stupidly decided to lay an egg in front of her flock mates. The birds saw the red tissue (it's exposed slightly during egglaying) and they started ripping and pecking her bum. I caught it in time though, so she was ok. Prolapse and coccidiosis are possible too. How far did the blood travel into the digestive tract?