Potential cyanide poisoning due to common black and yellow millipede.

[Jez Family]

Has anyone ever experienced cyanide poisoning in their flock due to the black and yellow millipedes that are extremely common here in the Pacific Northwest? I noticed one of my nine week old poults pecking one (and may have eaten) this morning when I let them into their enclosure. Now the same bird is acting very lathergic. Any information on toxicity and potential antedotes would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I really don't know how toxic that could be.

You may want to try one of the "Laxative Solutions" in the link I'm giving you - either the molasses or epsom salts to see if it may help flush any toxins out.

Another possibility at 9weeks can be cocci or some other illness/disease that was in the works and the millipede was just a coincidence.

http://extension.msstate.edu/content/solutions-and-treatments


Let us know how he's doing.

 

[Jez Family]

Well after acting sick all day he came out of it completely. I'm udderly convinced that darn millipede was to blame but I really have no proof. But that type of millipede does produce it's own cyanide and he was pecking it and may have eaten it. IDK

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Well after acting sick all day he came out of it completely. I'm udderly convinced that darn millipede was to blame but I really have no proof. But that type of millipede does produce it's own cyanide and he was pecking it and may have eaten it. IDK

I'm glad he is doing well.

Sometimes you have to go with your "gut" on these things. If he is fine now, then it could have been the millipede. You just never know