Very ill chickens

[CuriousQueen]

Best of luck to your feathered friends. I understand you are busy trying to nurse them back to wellness.
I want to extend my best wishes to you.

 

[the backyard zoo]

im very curious to hear the results

 

[True Patriot]

Is there something blooming/growing in the yard where they range? 1) with the rain you stated the mold could be from leaf litter etc where they wander. 2) There are lots of toxic plants that could be in a growth spurt from the weather. I know this is a long shot, but it seems like most of the common problems have been addressed. Good luck.

 

[Barbs Girls]

Please let us know what you find out and we are praying for you and your flock!

 

[Morrigan]

I'm hoping you are getting answers and sending positive vibes to your flock.

I'm interested in hearing about the test results, but only when you are ready, and have the time to do so. Taking care of the birds (and yourself) comes first!

 

[HuskerHens18]

I don't even know where to begin so my apologies if this is a bit scattered.

Eimeria is treated, showed no more coccidia in necropsy and fecal samples.

Instead, fecal samples showed another type of parasite infesting my birds, name wasn't stated over the phone, am treating with Panacur now. It's 0.25 per 1 pound, so dosage varies per chicken.

I do not have the paperwork yet, but the university called my vet, who called me, to say my hen I sent in was an isolated case she was egg bound and was packed full of eggs he said. She gave no signs whatsoever! I was just hand feeding her the day before she died. Other than that, the man from the university stated she was in 100% perfect health oddly enough. He tested for Marek's as well and she came back negative.
Strangely, the university got a grant and will preform every test there is on any other chickens of mine that die in the next 5 days for 50$ flat, he said to preform such tests would be 200$ per bird normally. Is that normal for universities to do that...?
So after all this, we have learned nothing. I've now had 2 isolated deaths in the last month. It's heartbreaking to say, I almost need another chicken to die.

My GLW's walking is getting worse and my vet still thinks it could be Marek's, which I agree is my thought too. If she passes then we will find out, if not I hope she can recover fully. She is still pooping bright green and yellow feces.
I feel like so much has happened and I've learned nothing! This is just so frustrating. I've spent more money at the vet this 2018 year, than I have the last 5 years combined. I try everything I can to keep happy, healthy chickens and I swear I'm battling some illness/parasite one right after the other.

I really appreciate everyone's support so far, I need it. So thank you all. I suppose I'll just keep updating whenever something happens.

 

[HuskerHens18]

Is there something blooming/growing in the yard where they range? 1) with the rain you stated the mold could be from leaf litter etc where they wander. 2) There are lots of toxic plants that could be in a growth spurt from the weather. I know this is a long shot, but it seems like most of the common problems have been addressed. Good luck.

It's always a possibility, I live way out in the country surrounded by trees and fields. If something weird grows out there I'd never know unfortunately I really haven't noticed anything growing in my yard, but my chickens like to go out in the trees.

 

[HuskerHens18]

A question, what caused you to test for and treat Eimeria in the first place? I had actually never heard of it but used the google and found out it is just a variety of coccidiosis. Probably if our flock was tested they would show some cocci, but they have never been sick from it as far as I know.
Recently we have started feeding fermented whole grain but you can ferment pellets too. Its a bit more work, but it has various benefits including filling the gut with good bacteria just like probiotics are supposed to work. Lots on BYC about this and lots elsewhere. I particularly liked this article https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/ it notes "Prebiotics and probiotics available in feed increase resistance to disease/illnesses such as coccidia, e.coli, salmonella, flagella, etc." I can't say it makes our flock healthier since they were already healthy but hey seem to prefer it. (I feed half fermented, half not so they won't get too in love with it in case at some point I get sick myself and can't keep it going).

Earlier this month I had unbelievably skinny chickens, practically skin and bones, and no matter what I did they wouldn't gain weight. I ended up losing 2, necropsied them and did a TON of fecal samples (only the vet himself did those) and the vet found Eimeria.
I've never tried Fermented feed, I'll have to do some research. It sounds like a good idea!

 

[Conan]

I think the bright green poop is bile - I recently lost a speckled sussex pullet to wasting and she would pretend to eat, pecking and scratching around, but she wasn't actually eating. Is your GLW thin?
I hope you find out what is going on soon!!! It always seems like problems come on all at once! Can really feel overwhelming.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Sorry for your losses and still not knowing