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Favorite hen suddenly lethargic...SOS! New to chickens!

post #1 of 6
7/9/12 at 3:14pm
Thread Starter 

We have finally gotten settled with the coop and run and now suddenly today one hen (19 weeks old) hangs her head and goes to sleep a lot. If disturbed she'll get up and run to see what she's missing (food, treat, etc) but then goes to lay down again and closes eyes. Does not seem to be respiratory at all.  I have 5 hens and 19 pulllets. They free range during day. Only meds I had on hand was Ivermectin powder which Im not sure if helpful but immediately added to water, hoping that it wont do any harm to others.  Not sure if it will help at all. Will force her to take some shortly. Looked at forum on line, but only thread didn't link to common diseases and cures. I am so tired after last week dealing with a predator and thinking all was solved after laying 200 ft of fence to now deal with this. ...Sorry, tired and venting.  Is there an "all  purpose " med I can get from Tractor Supply, etc. to help her? Will research more on google about common illnesses.

Thanks in advance....

5 Buff Orps, 5 Golden Laced Wyandottes, 6 Easter Eggers, 2 Black Copper Marans, 1 Splash Maran, 5 Red Sex Linked

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5 Buff Orps, 5 Golden Laced Wyandottes, 6 Easter Eggers, 2 Black Copper Marans, 1 Splash Maran, 5 Red Sex Linked

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post #2 of 6
7/9/12 at 3:18pm

First off, Ivermectin is a dewormer.  Unless you suspect worms, I wouldn't force this on her.  Deworming medications are harsh and with her already feeling off, it might do more harm than good.

 

Can you give us some more information, please? 

 

How hot is it where you are?

 

Is she sitting around all poofed up?

 

Any changes in food?

 

What are they eating?

 

Does she feel skinny?

 

What do her droppings look like?

 

Can you bring her into the house into a safe quiet place?

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, and all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God Made them all
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All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, and all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God Made them all
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post #3 of 6
7/9/12 at 3:49pm

I agree with Leadwolf1, more info is needed. Ivermectin is a wormer and you have to be careful with dosages while using it. Too much can cause organ problems, maybe worse. Inspect your 19 week old pullet for lice/mites.


                                                                                             Forewarned is Forearmed

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                                                                                             Forewarned is Forearmed

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post #4 of 6
7/9/12 at 4:02pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks, to both of you. Not sure if I am navigating BYC correctly so bare with me...

Will dump the ivermectin out.

We are in S. Georgia. 90-95 degrees on good day...

She's sitting around with very relaxed wings and head drops quickly with eyes closing

No change in food. Layer pellets, some chick starter since they get into it due to my 8 wk olds. She just started laying a few days ago...SO exciting!

She looks like she's lost a little and feels and bit skinnier than a few days ago.

Haven't seen her droppings specifically, but others look fine.

Will put her right now in dog crate and bring in to air conditioning. Other girls are normal...hope it stays that way. 

5 Buff Orps, 5 Golden Laced Wyandottes, 6 Easter Eggers, 2 Black Copper Marans, 1 Splash Maran, 5 Red Sex Linked

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5 Buff Orps, 5 Golden Laced Wyandottes, 6 Easter Eggers, 2 Black Copper Marans, 1 Splash Maran, 5 Red Sex Linked

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post #5 of 6
7/9/12 at 4:46pm
Thread Starter 

Just sat in the coop with all of them and she is eating and drinking then stands in the corner and closes her eyes. She did have a very watery poop.  Comb drooping over more than usual. Checked again for lice or mites to the best of my ability and nothing. I do dust the coop weekly with DE (learned a few things from BYC). She's now in a crate in the house quiet with food and water. 

Was hoping chickens would be an easy endeavor...not enjoying this as much as I once thought.

Thanks.

5 Buff Orps, 5 Golden Laced Wyandottes, 6 Easter Eggers, 2 Black Copper Marans, 1 Splash Maran, 5 Red Sex Linked

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5 Buff Orps, 5 Golden Laced Wyandottes, 6 Easter Eggers, 2 Black Copper Marans, 1 Splash Maran, 5 Red Sex Linked

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post #6 of 6
7/10/12 at 11:20am
Thread Starter 

She looks better today...guess I survived my first sick chicken and now I know that perhaps all ailments do not lead to a certain death.

Thanks again for your support and expertise!

:)

5 Buff Orps, 5 Golden Laced Wyandottes, 6 Easter Eggers, 2 Black Copper Marans, 1 Splash Maran, 5 Red Sex Linked

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5 Buff Orps, 5 Golden Laced Wyandottes, 6 Easter Eggers, 2 Black Copper Marans, 1 Splash Maran, 5 Red Sex Linked

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