Updated! - Test Your Diagnostic Skills - Warning, Contains Graphic Necropsy Photos

[casportpony]

What is the 26.5% referring to? Protein or something else?

Sorry, yes, protein.

-Kathy

 

[IttyBiddyRedHen]

Kathy...ahh..ok. I was under the impression that too much protein overburdens the kidneys. Or something like that. Not supposed to be over 16% total for daily intake? Please correct me if I am wrong. You have probably never had any problems with that percentage. I am just asking out of curiosity.

 

[casportpony]

Most chicken chick starters are 18-22%, turkey starters are around 27% and Purina makes a 30% gamebird starter.

-Kathy

 

[IttyBiddyRedHen]

Really? wow...I had no idea. This is all a learning experience for me. I have never had any kind of bird in my life....then all of a sudden..new DH wants 25 chickens.

 

[casportpony]

My little pea is on his way to Turlock, so I should have a preliminary report by tomorrow evening. FWIW, in CA, Necropsies are free on chickens, turkeys and waterfowl, but they usually charge $120 for all other birds... I asked very nicely and they waived the fee for me!

-Kathy

 

[choptank330]

sorry for your loss!! but this thread is very educational

 

[casportpony]

So before I get the preliminary report I thought I should post what I think it might be...

Of course blackhead is a possibility, but this chick died very fast and was in good flesh which is not a blackhead presentation I have seen before.
Coccidiosis is another, but again, no weight loss and sudden death?
e. Coli is a common killer of poultry and it's also very common for it to be a secondary infection from blackhead.
Then there's the white urates, which to me says dehydration, which can cause kidney problems and visceral gout. Add in the high protein feed and that could compound the problem.

Just as a precaution I have started the other 8 chicks on Corid at the .024% level.

-Kathy

 

[MelissaTXRn]

Interesting. Sorry for your loss.

 

[TwoCrows]

Kathy, I had a chicken that developed an e. coli infection and was told by a vet that usually you will see bright yellow/orange colored urates in the poo and on the vent area if they have e.coli. This was my first clue that my hen had e. coli, the yellow/orange urates. I agree with you however and it does sound like the bird was definitely dehydrated. Sorry for your loss.

 

[casportpony]

Thanks for your input... I've have three with confirmed e. Coli infection and all three had different colored poo. I'll see if I can find the pictures of it.

-Kathy