Sick Chicken from Ant infestation

[zoedaniel]

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to get some advice… I’m not sure if this is the group to go to but I’m praying someone can help me.

So, suddenly my yard became infested with ants… quickly. I’m working on getting that fixed this weekend. It’s gotten so bad that they’re getting into my car.

Well, I went out to my coop yesterday evening to feed and check their water like I do daily, and I found one of my chickens laid up in corner INFESTED with ants. Yes he was still alive too which broke my heart. I pulled him out as fast as I could and hosed him off. It took 5-7 minutes to get all the ants off of him. He was super weak and passed away shortly after.

My polish chick is now sick. I read that fire ants can make them ill. He’s super weak, but he is showing green flags (he’s eating and drinking water) but he can barely move. I moved all my chickens to my barn (which is technically just a ginormous shed) and they slept in there for the night (ant free). I just got home and he is still alive. But he can’t walk. He pooped on himself while I was gone for the day and didn’t move his spot . My other chickens are doing fine. I have him eating separately from them right now so they don’t steal all the food from him. And the bowl since he cannot lift his head too much nor stand..

Can anyone lead me in the right direction on how to get him back to health? Or is it likely he won’t make it? My chickens are my pets, I love them as I would a dog or cat.
I’m hoping I can keep him alive.

Thanks in advance to any who comments with suggestions or advice.

 

[zoedaniel]

Also, I went to the store and got electrolytes and vitamins and added to his water. I can’t get him to drink any so I had to feed him it by syringe… I’m afraid of keeping him out in the barn while he can’t move so he is in a tote in my home sleeping… he did stand up twice after drinking which made me so happy but stopped afterwards.

 

[swamphiker]

I'm sorry for your loss and for your sick chicken.

I haven't heard of fire ants causing disease in chickens; my understanding is that fire ants took advantage of an easy meal in the form of your ill chicken.

Have you checked your chickens for signs of coccidiosis or other diseases? Coccidiosis is one of the more common diseases that can cause progress rapidly, but there are a number of illnesses that could cause the symptoms you mentioned. More information: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/coccidiosis-in-poultry/coccidiosis-in-poultry

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to get some advice… I’m not sure if this is the group to go to but I’m praying someone can help me.

So, suddenly my yard became infested with ants… quickly. I’m working on getting that fixed this weekend. It’s gotten so bad that they’re getting into my car.

Well, I went out to my coop yesterday evening to feed and check their water like I do daily, and I found one of my chickens laid up in corner INFESTED with ants. Yes he was still alive too which broke my heart. I pulled him out as fast as I could and hosed him off. It took 5-7 minutes to get all the ants off of him. He was super weak and passed away shortly after.

My polish chick is now sick. I read that fire ants can make them ill. He’s super weak, but he is showing green flags (he’s eating and drinking water) but he can barely move. I moved all my chickens to my barn (which is technically just a ginormous shed) and they slept in there for the night (ant free). I just got home and he is still alive. But he can’t walk. He pooped on himself while I was gone for the day and didn’t move his spot . My other chickens are doing fine. I have him eating separately from them right now so they don’t steal all the food from him. And the bowl since he cannot lift his head too much nor stand..

Can anyone lead me in the right direction on how to get him back to health? Or is it likely he won’t make it? My chickens are my pets, I love them as I would a dog or cat.
I’m hoping I can keep him alive.

Thanks in advance to any who comments with suggestions or advice.View attachment 3925205

Also, I went to the store and got electrolytes and vitamins and added to his water. I can’t get him to drink any so I had to feed him it by syringe… I’m afraid of keeping him out in the barn while he can’t move so he is in a tote in my home sleeping… he did stand up twice after drinking which made me so happy but stopped afterwards.

Welcome To BYC

Sorry for your loss.

The current bird that is unwell, did you find ants on him too?

How old is he?

Photos of his poop may be helpful.

What's in the bowl? What are you feeding?

I'd try to stick with a chick starter for Chicks instead of loose mixed grains. Often birds will just pick out the things they like and leave the rest which leaves them deficient in essential nutrition.

Check his crop to make sure it's emptying overnight.

Work on getting him hydrated, then offer wet mushy feed, bits of egg or fish to see if you can entice him.

 

[2 Acres]

I'm sorry for your loss and for your sick chicken.

I haven't heard of fire ants causing disease in chickens; my understanding is that fire ants took advantage of an easy meal in the form of your ill chicken.

Have you checked your chickens for signs of coccidiosis or other diseases? Coccidiosis is one of the more common diseases that can cause progress rapidly, but there are a number of illnesses that could cause the symptoms you mentioned. More information: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/coccidiosis-in-poultry/coccidiosis-in-poultry

Coccidiosis can typically be dealt with Apple Cider Vinegar

DONT use Corid!!! That stuff is poison.!!!

 

[dawg53]

ACV does NOT treat coccidiosis. Corid is a thiamine blocker that will NOT harm poultry.

 

[2 Acres]

 

[dawg53]

View attachment 4108423View attachment 4108423

That is misinformation. I can assure you that ACV DOES NOT prevent nor treat coccidiosis nor treat/prevent worms.

 

[2 Acres]

That is misinformation. I can assure you that ACV DOES NOT prevent nor treat coccidiosis nor treat/prevent worms.

So AI lied ?!?!?!?

 

[dawg53]

Total misinformation! Been there, done that many years ago. Personal experience, not AI experience.