Chicken with diarrhea

[Peter Webber]

Hi Guys,

One of my Sussex hens seems to have diarrhea. Some stools are ok but many are just brown water. The fearthers around her vent become very dirty (unlike the other hens) and we have tried bathing and trimming some of the feathers.

She seems perky in every other way. She still eats and drinks ok, and seems as lively and curios as ever. Her comb is still red, eyes are clear and nostrils are dry.

The food is the usual organis grain feed with occasional salad greens or cabbage. As a treat they get a few handfulls of oats, boiled rice or a slice or two of bread each week.

The other birds are fine. Any ideas?

[Castaway]

Hi Peter,
Bacteria or Parasites can cause this problem. Lets hope it doesn't spread. Clean fresh water daily as chickens are very good at muddying their water container. Maybe you have a hanging one that can't be "fowled."

[Peter Webber]

Thanks Castaway,

I thought that might be the case. I will get her up to the vet on Saturday but I will ask about treating all the birds. I will keep her away from the others in the meantime.

[Castaway]

Vets can be very expensive.

Here's a few things you can try first:

Mother Earth News recommends giving your chicken a potassium permanganate solution to drink. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of the chemical in 1 quart of warm water. Feed each chicken 1 tablespoon of the concentrated solution diluted in 1 cup of warm water. In a case of severe diarrhea you may need a stronger solution, one that is potent enough to turn your finger slightly brown when you dip it in the liquid. Be sure to not keep the potassium permanganate mixture in a metal container.

Another remedy is Epsom salt. Add one-half tablespoon of Epsom salt to the affected chicken's feed. You can also feed your diarrhea-afflicted chicken wheat bran moistened with sour milk or buttermilk.

If diarrhea keeps occurring despite all your attempts to alleviate it, take your chicken to the vet. Your bird could have a serious illness that requires medical treatment.

[Peter Webber]

Hi Castaway,

I have given the girls a few doses of salt. So far the results have been good but I will keep watching them. Meg's rear feathers seem to be getting cleaner.

Hopefully we have gotten her over it. Thanks for your advice.

[bill newton]

have you got an axe????

[Peter Webber]

Hey Meg gives us an egg each day! What kind of message would an execution send to the others? I Wouldn't want to risk a strike!