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What is wrong with my ameracauna hen?

post #1 of 6
5/22/12 at 10:44am
Thread Starter 

We got 3 new pullets about 2 weeks ago and initially everyone seemed fine. About 10 days ago the roo and other hens started picking on our ameracana- just figured they had to work out the pecking order. The "victim" started just staying up on a roost out of the other's reach but still eating and drinking. However, over the last two or three days she has become more lethargic. Today I noticed she is breathing very hard with her whole body moving (using "accessory muscles" in human terms) but beak is closed and she is just sitting in corner of pen (she is in isolation from the others). Doesn't seem interested in food. She's only about 16 weeks so she hasn't laid any eggs yet. Not sure what I can do for her-any suggestions?

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post #2 of 6
5/22/12 at 10:55am

Maybe she got a bit dehydrated and wasn't drinking since the others were attacking her.  I would give her some water with a dropper, and put a bit of sugar in it, or some vitamins/electrolites in it.  That may perk her up and she might begin eating. 

Proud owner of some nice show quality Buckeyes and Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks.  I love gardening and being outdoors.  I'm lucky to have a great family, and two cute dogs.  I live out in the country on six wooded acres and it's just paradise!  (Except the mortgage payment and bills, of course)

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Proud owner of some nice show quality Buckeyes and Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks.  I love gardening and being outdoors.  I'm lucky to have a great family, and two cute dogs.  I live out in the country on six wooded acres and it's just paradise!  (Except the mortgage payment and bills, of course)

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post #3 of 6
5/22/12 at 11:12am
Thread Starter 

I will try that (although she is sitting right next to her water bowl). Thanks!

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post #4 of 6
5/22/12 at 11:53am

x2.  How's her poo look?  Any discharge from nostrils eyes or anything?  Any gurgling rattling in breathing?

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post #5 of 6
5/22/12 at 3:45pm
Thread Starter 

poop looks normal except a little runny-no nasal discharge or ocular discharge.No rattling or gurgling breathing. She just sits on the ground with her eyes closed a lot of the time- she stood up for a little while and no gait problems. Her eyes look clear when she has them open. She just looks like she doesn't feel good. Can chickens get depressed?

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post #6 of 6
5/22/12 at 4:45pm

Doesn't sound respiratory.  I know some people give them medicated starter feed, I don't think it would hurt to try that, plus probiotics or unsweetened yogurt with live bacteria.  Her loose poo tells me something is going on.  I've seen where other chickens will start picking on one and it looks like nothing is wrong but it seems as tho they have a sixth sense when one is sick.  I had two older hens that were best friends and one day I saw them being short-tempered with each other and scuffling.  I'll be if a a few days later one came up ill.  By the time you recognize it they usually are pretty ill - they hide their symptoms so well.  Make sure she stays hydrated too.  Are you putting ACV in the water?

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BackYard Chickens › BYC Forum › Raising BackYard Chickens › Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures › What is wrong with my ameracauna hen?