Update- What is going on with my hens???? Please help

[mamahen09]

I noticed one out of the 4 hens has bloody poop. Last night I started them on Vitamins & Electrolytes. They are acting normal though today, but this has me very concerned.
I've been reading about symptoms, and am hoping they aren't coming down with Coccidiosis. What type of meds do y'all recommend I get for them?

 

[beakkeeper]

Cocci would be the early diagnosis, but I think you should start them on a regimen of Aureomycin or other cocci-killing antibiotic. It's generally not a good idea to hand out antibiotics willy nilly without being sure on the diagnosis, but if it is cocci, then the bloody stool indicates that the disease has already progressed far and they need help. Do they show any other symptoms?

 

[chickenannie]

Honestly, I wouldn't panic at the sight of blood. It might just be something minor the hen will get over herself. Just keep watch on them and if you see more symptoms in the next week or so then you try to diagnose. It's easy to read this forum and think there is something terribly wrong.
By the way, did you know that many chickens can get a slight case of coccidosis and not get ill -- it can build their immunity to it. It doesn't always require medications or treatments.

 

[mamahen09]

The girls seem to be getting back to normal. They are eating & drinking normally. They are no longer standing around falling asleep. And my one girl, whom last night kept one eye closed, and one eye open, is back to her bossy self.

I found the poo chart and the one girl that I thought had blood in her poo, looks like it's the normal intestinal shedding. There was no bright red blood in hers..so I'm glad.

I have antibiotics on stand by, just in case of. TSC only had Tetracycline...is this only used for respiratory illnesses?

Thanks in advance for the help......being new at this ....really makes me feel ignorant
but I want to learn and do everything I can to take care of my little girls.

 

[beakkeeper]

Quote:
Good point. Since the chickens are getting better, I think it's going to be OK without the antibiotics. I believe Tetracycline is just for respiratory, but don't quote me on that. ;P Keep an eye on them, they could be able to shake it off without medication.