I just went to see my white silkies and I'm bothered by what I saw. They aren't acting sick, but their pooh is kind of runny and a dark reddish brown color. It doesn't smell right to me either.
I was out of chicken feed the other day so I gave them a mix of chicken feed and horse and mule feed and flax seed. You think that's the problem? Like I said, they don't really act sick or anything, but the pooh smells kind of like diarrhea, and there seems to be a lot of it.
Should I be concerned? I know I should keep some kind of chicken medicine around, but I never got around to buying any.
These chickens cannot die because she hasn't even laid an egg yet.
It's probably just the feed, but I wanted to ask the experts. Better safe than sorry.
Are my chickens sick?
If you think it's simply diarrhea, I would give them some oatmeal. Often times it's not so much what you fed them, it's just a big change from their normal diet, and that can often times bring about diarrhea. Much like people who don't eat fruit regularly and then they eat some and their system is not used to it. Well you know the end result...Hay
Thanks Haystack. You are probably right. I will give them oatmeal tomorrow.
I found this site. http://www.chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0 Warning, it's all about chicken poop and has pictures.
To me, it looks like Ceacal or Coccidiosis. I really don't think it is coccidiosis, at least I sure hope it isn't. That can be serious, and I should have some medicine here for that if it ever happens. It's probably the sweet feed.
I put some in a paper towel and it did not look like blood.
Didn't occur to me they just had diarhea, but that sounds reasonable.
Guess you haven't found your little rooster yet.
If you see any blood, it is Cocci and can kill overnight. So be sure to check very careful. Yes, you should have that medicine on hand.. it can cure Cocci really fast.. Like immediately.
Other than that, the change in diet is hard on them when it includes the surroundings, etc. The foul smell is a red flag.... Some oats like Haystack says is a help.. I'd just get them on regular feed ASAP so they can adjust.
You should have medication on hand always for coccidiosis as ZZ's has said cause it can be so deadly so quickly, and is very easy to cure with Sulfadimethoxine. Also I would keep tetracycline on hand for respiratory problems. Keeping their diet consistient is very important and the goodies are fine but should be in very limited amounts...I hope they shape up quickly for you my friend...Hay
I fed my chickens like hogs today.. LOL I cooked rice..:) They ate like lil pigs then it was reeeal quiet..
So how are the girls doing...Hay
Thanks for asking Haystack, that reminded me to go check on them.
The white rooster and pullet seem to be doing okay. I gave them some grass hay and the oatmeal you suggested and cleaned out their pen really well yesterday. Still no egg from her.
The new splash and blue pullets seem to be doing well. They stayed in the house with me today, I just didn't want to take a chance of them being outside. That cat is still around. They need to relax from their trip, like Z said. They are eating and drinking, but no eggs yesterday or today. I talk to them and pet them, but don't want to pick her up and upset her.
My silkies were prone to sickness which is part of the breed. I used to keep anti-biotics on hand to treat them. I hope yours do fine as they are such a loving breed.
Thanks jujube.