[Shelly]

Hi

I found you via google.  A week ago a customer brought me an escaped ex-battery hen, thinking it was one of mine.  It is very lethargic with yellow watery droppings.  At first I tried to intergrate it with my flock although she's isolated now, but one of mine is showing the same symptoms.

Anyone any idea what this could be?

Many thanks

Shelly

[shetlandpaul]

get it to the vet. you may have a problem.
 This doesn't sound good i'm afraid. There is a strong possibility from the symptoms you have described that your birds are infected with an organism called Salmonella gallinarum (or possibly other strains of Salmonella), these bacteria are excreted by wild birds, which is usually how free range poultry contract the disease.

All the symptoms fit, as most parasitic diarrheas (caused by worms or protozoa) cause blood and mucus to be excreted as well.

It may be possible to treat the birds with antibiotics, but sadly, even if cured they often become carriers of the disease- so any other birds you get will become infected- you may actually be better starting from scratch (which as a fellow poultry owner i feel very sad in having to recommend).

Sorry not to be more positive- but very often the best way with nasty infections with poultry is to clear out and start again.

If you go down the line of treating these birds with antibiotics- i would wait until these birds are gone before restocking.

ive never had this but its what an ex bat should have been treated with. its to quick for worms so until proven otherwise assume the worst.

[Shelly]

Hi Paul

Will do as you suggest re.vet.  It's very possible shes  picked something up. I've no idea how long the rescued hen had been 'out' for - at least a day or so anyway.

I will put the sick one's togeather and get cleaning and hope that it dosn't spread to  the others.  Fingers crossed.

Many thanks

Shelly