Worm problem?????

[Shirl64]

My poorly chicken pooped this clear liquid and white today, I’m thinking worms? She also pooped frothy poo (see picture) at the same time. She is lethargic, with a pale comb and not eating much at all. I’ve been giving her electrolytes and probiotics with some syringe feeding. But worms now makes sense to me. She an ex battery that I’ve had for three weeks. The other three are fine but would still form them all as until I isolated the poorly girl she was with the other three. Thanks xx

 

[azygous]

Worming is a good idea. But it is just guessing that you have chosen a worming med that targets the species that are living in the chickens' intestines. The prudent thing to do is to ask your vet to run a fecal float test on a poop sample. It's inexpensive and you usually get the results the same day.

Any vet is able to do this test in their office. Not all are generous with their time when it comes to chickens. But if you have a vet that sees your other pets, you should be able to convince them to help you out if you assure them they won't be responsible for treatment of the chicken.

 

[Shirl64]

Worming is a good idea. But it is just guessing that you have chosen a worming med that targets the species that are living in the chickens' intestines. The prudent thing to do is to ask your vet to run a fecal float test on a poop sample. It's inexpensive and you usually get the results the same day.

Any vet is able to do this test in their office. Not all are generous with their time when it comes to chickens. But if you have a vet that sees your other pets, you should be able to convince them to help you out if you assure them they won't be responsible for treatment of the chicken.

 

[Shirl64]

Hi, thanks for replying. I will try to get the test done, but I had enough trouble locating a vet that would even look at our poorly hen and he was totally useless. I found out more valuable info from researching myself.
I have ordered a wormer and a coccidiosis medication as I’m afraid she won’t make it if I don’t help her soon. Thanks again xx

 

[azygous]

You may worm and treat coccidiosis safely at the same time. A breeding manager at our local hatchery gave me a tip. Put a little sugar in the water that you mixed the coccidiostat in. It has a bitter taste and the sugar counters that so the chickens will drink more.

You don't have to use an avian vet to run a fecal float. All types of vets can do it. The trick is finding one that isn't too high and mighty to consent to doing you the favor. It is not necessary for them to examine the chicken.

 

[Shirl64]

That’s a great tip that I will certainly follow.
I’m new to chicken keeping, but a fast learner who isn’t afraid to ask (even if I appear stupid lol). I just want to do the very best for my girls.
I’m certainly taking a sample in of my girls poop tomorrow and to a vet that has a definite policy for treating injured wild animals (I’ve taken a few in there over the years, hedgehogs, pheasants etc). My hope is that this makes they appear less high and mighty
Thanks so much for your advice and patience.