Chicken bald back

[Beantree]

We have a three year old Transylvanian Naked Neck cock. Two weeks ago he staggered out of the coop and collapsed in the run. When I picked him up he was icy cold under his wings to the touch. His crop was full and we think he got caught by the cold evening, ate lots but didn't have time to drink so the pellets 'set' in his crop. After an hour under my coat he began to show signs of life. The heat lamp was rigged up and he gradually recovered. The crop was watered and massaged until completely clear and he was eating on his own. After 5 days he went back to his hens and in the evening in the coop he was toasty hot with a full crop.

 

Next morning he was on the floor. Empty crop and freezing cold. We repeated the previous treatment but this time we have given him Avipro Avian on the basis that the initial cold body temperature has killed his gut flora so he isn't digesting food effectively. After a week no improvement, his poo's just look like wet pellets but otherwise perfect. I have contacted Vetark, the Avipro manufacturers, to ask how long it takes to establish the probiotic. So far no reply. Working on the basis it doesn't, we are now giving him probiotic yoghurt, nutri-drops and keeping him warm. He has to be fed and watered, so he is eating and drinking enough.

 

Has anyone any idea how long we can expect to wait for his digestion to become effective? Any other ideas on how to treat him?

[sparkysmum]

Hi Beantree, so sorry to hear that your TNN is poorly. I have never come across such a condition myself so cant advise, can only suggest visit to V.E.T. Hope she picks up soon. Love Axx

[Beantree]

We thought we would lose him this morning Sparkysmum. Couldn't stand at all and breathing very light. Didn't even have the strength to poo or talk. We put him on a heat mat (25W for home brewing) with a foil hypothermia blanket over him. Two hours later and he was considerably improved. Looks like the Avipro Avian is working because his poo is less grainy now, but it has taken 10 days to see any change. Nearly too late perhaps?

 

I know having used probiotic yoghurt before that it takes two weeks or more. I have just read live yoghurt is rather unreliable because the quantities of probiotic can vary considerably between brands and are also very dependant on freshness.

[Luvachicken]

I hope your boy gets better soon Beantree.

This has been an interesting read because it seems that maybe I should get some avipro for Queenie after all.

 

On another note though Beantree, I was talking to someone about the likes of Yakult to reset my gut flora and she basically said none of them contain enough bacteria to sort anything, so I can only guess the same might be true for chickens.

[Beantree]

Well I've just checked on him and he's brighter this morning. He's still in 'sick bay' under a heat lamp though. Have to say I had doubts about Avipro Avian but it seems to have worked. Will try it on a few more chickens now.

 

There is now going to be a question about his fertility? I know that frostbitten combs can be accompanied by sterility and presume they are linked by a substantial lowering of the body temperature. Fortunately his son is there on standby for such an eventuality.

 

We've been using probotic yoghurt on chickens for years Luvachicken, with generally good results. But on reflection they were somewhat variable and we did have to get some Beryl's tonic to finally get everyone fully fit before moving. So perhaps the effectiveness between yoghurt brands varies. Maybe we should try the Greek stuff suggested in your thread.

[Luvachicken]

My cupboard seems to be full of different stuff at the moment.

The oregano-stim I bought only lasts 6 months once opened.

 

Do I understand correct that the Avipro is a powder to add to the water ?

So I guess it would have a longer use by date ?

[Beantree]

Yes it is Luvachicken. It is a very fine powder so remains in suspension. Either added to general drinking water or as a booster 'shot' for sick birds. We mix 1 scoop into 100mL water and dose them 10mL at a time. Maximum 10 doses. Ours expires 04/16.

[gavclojak]

As mentioned in another thread beantree I have been using pro-kolin and I have had really good results with my newbies when they first arrived, they were in poor condition and used this post worms/sour crop

[Beantree]

Well the Avipro Avian did work. After 14 days his poo's were normal. But he had been sitting around for so long he handn't the strength to move much and struggled to eat. Clearly he had an underlying condition because he kept going very pale. When his breathing became laboured it was obvious he wasn't going to recover and we took the very painful decision to PTS. At least he got to spend time in his large enclosure flying around for his last 9 months, but we will miss him.

 

His son will be taking his place. The hens are in for a hell of a time!

[mullethunter]

Sorry to hear about the chap. Sounds like the King is dead, long live the King though!