I will lose 2-3 adult hens a year to this same thing. I only ever have 6 at a time. They go from fully energtic, wanting cuddles and as much food as they can hold. To simply waiting to die, standing in one spot for hours, even the whole day without eating or drinking. (This usually takes 4-7 days once they are bone thin). They are in a hutch at night and have free range of the back yard during the day. (We do have rats that we have been working on but this problem is pre them). They are all rescues, some are ex-battery hens, but most are excess hen giveaways. I can rule out poisoning and weather. They are well protected. Oldest chook would be 3, youngest 1.5yrs maybe, pushing it. We might get 1-2 eggs a day now. Below are is the answers for latest victim to whatever this is. I would greatly appreciate any feedback.
Age: 2ish (Rescue)
Breed: Isa Brown
Sex: Hen
Your Location- country, state (different areas/climates have different problems)
ANSWER: Brisbane, Australia
What is wrong? What symptoms have you noted? - As much detail as possible please.
ANSWER: Rapid weight loss, barely eating or drinking. Will stand in one position for hours
What are you feeding? - Please list everything you're feeding to your birds, including type of basic feed, free ranging, scraps, extras, etc. If possible give approximate percentages.
ANSWER: CRT extra fine grain at will, made up mash of porridge, supplements and grain
Full droppings description.- colour, consistency, frequency, offensive smell.
ANSWER: Ranged from normal to runny to white
Respiratory Changes?- eg. breathing sounds, discharge, laboured breathing, facial swelling
ANSWER: None
Digestive Changes?- eg. eating, drinking, crop filling & emptying
ANSWER: Not eating or drinking. Force feeding is useless
Condition Changes?- eg. Weight, comb/wattle colour, skin, feathering
ANSWER: EXTREMELY light. Comb is bent over and pale red. (Not healthy red)
Behavioural Changes?- inc. socialising, laying, crowing, broodiness
ANSWER: Stands for hours in one spot doing nothing
Agility Changes? - eg. any lameness, favouring, energy levels
ANSWER: See above
Describe your usual worming routine and products. [If none, say so and skip the next 3 worming questions.] Do you have a cycle that you use eg. every 3 months, or every six months?
ANSWER: They get wormed every 3-4 weeks in a mash mush. Aristopet wormer for poultry
1. When was the bird last wormed??- approximate date.
ANSWER: Not sure
2. What product was used to worm the bird, and how was it given? ? eg. in the drinking water, on the skin, by injection?
ANSWER: Drinking water type put into food
3. Was a follow up dose given? (eg. 10-14 days later)
ANSWER: Not sure
Any other recent medications?- antibiotics, coccidiosis meds, herbal remedies, etc
ANSWER: No
Thank you
Anthony