What is wrong with my chickens?!

[lifetimechicklover]

I have 9 bantams, Spanish black with white face, 10 w/o. About 3 days ago I noticed they weren't drinking or eating much. Upon watching them closer, I noticed that some of them were lethargic; ie. sitting with humped back, sleeping......then the combs turned a death yellow. Even 1 of the roosters' pretty red comb paled and sort of cracked looking. Today, I saw that one of the pullet's crop was very large. I caught her, and her breastbone is sharp from lack of nutrition. I felt the crop & was astounded that it filled up my hand! I started to massage gently and held her upside down. I would venture to say that 3/4 to 1 cup of undigested food and slimy liquid came up. It did not have any odor to indicate and infection. I did the same for my affected rooster. It seemed to perk him for a few minutes, then he was asleep. I started yesterday to add the vitamin & electrolyte powder to the water. Please! if anyone knows what this is, please let me know. I'm so afraid I'm going to lose them! Thanks in advance..........

 

[oregonkat]

@azygous, @KikisGirls, is there something you can think of for this miserable poster? Poisoning?

 

[Jayecookie]

Its probably a sickness running threw your flock!

 

[Dawnclucks22]

Possible crop issue?

 

[oregonkat]

Sheesh, I'm sorry that my first post doesn't read very well. lifetimechicklover forgive me, I made it sound like poisoning you might put you out of your misery! I hope you can find out what is going on with your hens.

 

[Jayecookie]

Or it could be they don't have grit to digest their food with. Without grit they can't grind up their food to retrieve nutrients.

 

[sassfras]

I know you said no smell, but have you looked into something called sour crop? Perhaps start with some apple cider vinegar and garlic as treatment in addition to your electrolytes?

 

[lifetimechicklover]

Or it could be they don't have grit to digest their food with. Without grit they can't grind up their food to retrieve nutrients.

I allowed them to go outside and forage yesterday and todayl
Thanks for that advicel

 

[lifetimechicklover]

I know you said no smell, but have you looked into something called sour crop? Perhaps start with some apple cider vinegar and garlic as treatment in addition to your electrolytes?

I'm aware of the ACV, but how to give garlic?; fresh, dried, canned? What about probiotic yogurt? I saw that mentioned in one of the threads.

 

[Jayecookie]

I'm aware of the ACV, but how to give garlic?; fresh, dried, canned? What about probiotic yogurt? I saw that mentioned in one of the threads.

You could give them antibiotics (oral application) but you can't eat their eggs for awhile.