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Author Topic: Dying Chicks  (Read 2439 times)

Goats!!!

  • Joined Aug 2016
Dying Chicks
« on: June 09, 2017, 08:15:41 pm »
This week we have lost three chicks between the ages of three to eight weeks. Other than looking unwell, fluffed up and just sat not eating or drinking they have had no other symptoms. To start with we had two older chicks who have been free ranging the garden become ill, they were separated, within 48 hrs one had died one had recovered and is now fine, then three younger chicks became ill, they are separate from the rest, two died one recovered, these were given Tylan, one other another older chick which is again separate though he is  in a run on the lawn, so there can be some contact between him and the first lot has gone down with it. Has anyone any idea what it can be and how to treat it, plan to speak to the vets tomorrow
Thanks

Eve

  • Joined Jul 2010
Re: Dying Chicks
« Reply #1 on: June 10, 2017, 12:05:49 pm »
I might have seen this too late but if you haven't been to the vet yet, take a pooh sample from one of the ill chicks.


I've had some that caught chlamydia once (yep, that chlamydia), we had a low number of coccidiosis in the ground but even this low incidence had been enough to damage their gut a little and let other bacteria get hold. We lost 1/3 of our chicks that time. I gave the rest of that summer's chicks half strength coccidiostat as a preventative measure (at full strength is nasty stuff and even at the correct dose one chick reacted badly once and kept going limp).


Remember that wih coccidiosis there often isn't any blood, it's only one possible symptom.


Good luck!  :fc:

Marches Farmer

  • Joined Dec 2012
  • Herefordshire
Re: Dying Chicks
« Reply #2 on: June 11, 2017, 10:23:26 am »
I think coccidiosis the most likely cause at this time of year and that age of chick.  If your weather's been anything like ours over the last fortnight it's been warm, cold, windy, very wet - it really pinpoints the weaker ones.  Can you offer them a run with good shelter from wind and rain?

landroverroy

  • Joined Oct 2010
Re: Dying Chicks
« Reply #3 on: June 11, 2017, 10:50:47 am »
I would go with coccidiosis also as the most likely cause.
A natural treatment for it is to ensure the chicks have some whole grain and grit in with their food. The action of the grit grinding up the grain in their gizzard also grinds up and destroys the coccidia. You can just use wheat, or I often give mine some wild bird seed as they consider this a special treat and seem to eat it with even more relish. You don't need to give them much, just add some to their normal diet.
Rules are made:
  for the guidance of wise men
  and the obedience of fools.

farmers wife

  • Joined Jul 2009
  • SE Wales
Re: Dying Chicks
« Reply #4 on: June 11, 2017, 12:35:28 pm »
Breeding with hens that carry certain aliments such as mysco etc is not helpful as if there is any incidences of stress this will arise in the chicks.


This site is really helpful but rather indepth: http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/

landroverroy

  • Joined Oct 2010
Re: Dying Chicks
« Reply #5 on: June 11, 2017, 03:57:59 pm »
Breeding with hens that carry certain aliments such as mysco etc is not helpful as if there is any incidences of stress this will arise in the chicks.


This site is really helpful but rather indepth: http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/


 :thinking: Fascinating.
Over 100 things your poultry can die of.  :unwell:
Or how to depress yourself in one easy stage. :thumbsup:   ;)
Rules are made:
  for the guidance of wise men
  and the obedience of fools.

Goats!!!

  • Joined Aug 2016
Re: Dying Chicks
« Reply #6 on: June 11, 2017, 10:33:48 pm »
Thanks for your replies, I have spoken to a vet, though not a poultry specialist, she seemed to think most likely a virus, suggested sending one off for a pm. What doesn't add up to me me is the ones that recover in 48 hours are absolutely fine afterwards, I would have thought if it was coccidiosis they wouldn't recover without correct treatment, will try adding some grain to the younger chicks diet, they are in a large pen in a large shed/small barn with the shed door open during the day, with a heat lamp at night still, they are fully feathered now, the older ones get corn now anyway and free range during the day.

 

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