My mother in law does this. It's more the sand is the draining layer on bottom and everything is changed after a while (couple months or personal preference). It's pretty much the same as all the other deep litter methods with a little more drainage. The nest boxes have the mock astro turf pad...
I am now more sure it is probably botulism. If you can the epsom salt drip to crop i described earlier would help. Electrolyte treatment with a broad spectrum of vitamins will help
The vet has an antitoxin however it is very expensive and the vet is a personal decision. There are 2 forms of an...
I would give electrolytes with a broad spectrum of vitamins. It could rule out a vitamin deficiency and wouldn't hurt.
Check your feed and water and litter. Better yet, change your feed entirely with a different store and brand. If it is botulism, then giving your other chickens that feed may...
Prolapsed vent is my first guess.
I assume with no bad smell and this is the only thing going on.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/04/prolapse-vent-causes-treatment-graphic.html
My fear is infection right now.
Also other post on subject...
No, (old flock)
It be like vaccinating for chicken pox after the human kid had it.
Yes, (new chicks)
Vaccinating birds is the oz of prevention vs pound of cure. If your chicks got mareks, it be a bad day and your options would suck.
It's considered a baby chick disease so the grown...
sand and pine shaving .
Sand on bottom to improve drainage and pine shavings on top to prevent bumblefoot. The soft surface is what helps prevents it.
I wouldn't use it during the rainy season.
Gravel can be used under the sand but it can be risky if they eat it so I don't do it...
Possible but unsure. Chickens are kinda like fish. All for one and one for all. Most there isn't much you can do.
If it's bacterial, you may be able to get antibiotic. Think it's Tylan for bacterial but I'm tired and unsure. If it's viral you really can't do anything. It's 3 am for me. Tylan...
For pasty butt the cause is typically some regulatory issue with the heat or a food digestion issue.
The treatment is to gently clean the birds butt with a warm damp paper towel and apply Vaseline after butt is cleaned.
The Vaseline is used to prevent further pasty butt.
You may lose the...
Are they near any pond or source of algae?
"Algae Poisoning
This condition affects the nervous system as well as internal organs.
You may find your fowl exhibiting signs of weakness. They may stagger or convulse. You may find your fowl prostrated with their legs extended outward towards their...
Does it look like wry neck from the video below?
The treatment is also shown too. Tried to knock out 2 birds with 1 stone. It's hand feed the hen and give good electrolyte solution.
It could be they got into mold while free ranging but I hope not and I'm going for the one you can do...
By hand sanitizer, I just mean keep your hands clean. It doesn't matter which you choose as long as you do it properly. I use both (hand washing more but hand sanitizer if I have to touch a door or something).
I wouldn't use any with fragrance around chicks and try to keep it hypo allergenic.
Sometimes it's just bad luck and you can do everything right. I'm sorry about your chicks. I really am trying to cover all my bases with my advice just to be sure something wasn't missed or overlooked. Chicks are very fragile and the littlest thing can be very problematic
Not all molds cause...
My gut says it's the other farmer's rat poison and the chicken got a fatal dose. The cat killed a mouse. It may be feeding on your food.
Most rat poisons are anticoagulants which are blood thinners. The most common is rat poisons made from Warfarin. This medication is used in humans after...
I want to lean on the side of caution and say the black flecks are mold. Your older birds may be less effected because they are less fragile.
Changing the food and the heat lamp would be the safest.
It really doesn't seem like Mareks
If there is something in your flock (like they are...
Is there any rat poison she could of gotten into or similar? Rat poison would cause death by internal bleeding. I's a blood thinner. It would explain alot of the symptoms
Here is a list of poisonous plants to chickens that might be in your backyard
Bloodroot
Bull Nettle
Bracken
Bryony...