poorly chucks

[Anonymous]

Have 7 hens of about 2 yrs old, about 6 weeks ago 1 stopped laying then about 2 weeks ago she looked a bit unwell, tail down, hunched over. She is still eating ok and runs for food when thrown in, today another started to look the same, both have nice red coombs, no obvious respiratory problems, crop feels soft, Help

 

[Davidd]

Hello, what breed are they? are they hybrids? Do they have layers pellets/meal ad-lib? Is she very thin? losing weight? Have you checked for lice/redmite( in the coop)? Any messy vents? droppings normal? When, if ever, did you last worm them? Sorry for all the questions but to be able to help we need more information to narrow it down a little
regards, David

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry for lack of info, they are Isa browns/warrens, they are fed on layers pellets, have acces to grit and get occasional corn, no they are not thin.
Today one has picked up but one has taken a turn for the worse, she was layed under the hutch and seemed unable to get up, her vent was very dirty and she is not interested in food or water, we have separated her from the rest for all their sakes but I do not hold out much hope for her. They have never been wormed, we do have occasional red mite in hutch but it is controlled and not a problem, I did notice abnormal poo in run some almopst frothy tan colour and some which looked mucousy

 

[podstable]

Hi Chucky-----it could be one of many things I think.The most immediate thing that comes to my mind is the red mite.-If you can see some there could be MANY more you don't see. If it were me , I'd want to treat house , run and birds for these lethal little invaders immediately , then if the problem continues think again.If its not red mite causing the problem at the moment ,if not erradicated they very sOon will.It is at least a starting point for you.Ros

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Ros. don't think its the dreaded mite, not seen any on her body, we do seem to have a regular problem with them though despite treating house, run ect regularly, Thia ia the third hen now that has been unwell over past few months, other 2 now ok although never as bad as this one, they were just hunched up, tail down and miserable but this one has not stood up for past 6 hrs at least, we have put her in a box and we will have to wait and see