Injured (and maybe sick) New Hampshire

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slukeplass22

slukeplass22

Songster
9 Years
Nov 20, 2014
209
96
176
Northern Piedmont, USA
Hi. Unfortunately when I went into my chicken coop today I saw my New Hampshire (Her name is Red) laying on her side. She is now separated from the flock and in a small little dog cage (brand new) with food, water, bedding, and a heat lamp since it is been especially cold this week. I tried giving her some herbs (oregano, sweet basil, and sage) but she didn't want to eat them. Her feathers are all poofed out and she often times tucks her head in. I think she had been victim of an attack since a whole bunch of feathers are gone and she has peck marks on her eyelid. I am pretty sure one of the bullies (2 of my barred rocks) did it. I don't think it would be likely they ganged up on her since the two peck each other, but it is still a possibility that I can consider. Right now I am just letting her rest. I am also opposed to using antibiotics. I've already tried to see if an egg is stuck but there isn't.

Any suggestions?
 
Is she drinking and eating OK?

What about her poop? Normal or not?

I have lost chickens due to trampling. Do they have enough space?

How many chickens do you have?

How old is Red?

You mentioned low temps? How low? Temps can be brutal on chickens. I lost 4 RIR in one night last winter. It was nasty frozen cold.

By the way, Welcome to Backyard Chickens
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Yes. She is drinking plenty of water and is eating a little bit. Her droppings also look normal. The chickens have plenty of space (coop is like a 15x30, very thick brick walls.). I have 13 including red (6 Barred Rocks, 3 Buff Orpingtons, 2 Speckled Sussex, 1 New Hampshire "Red", and 1 Ameraucana). They are all give or take 8 months old, maybe a little less. The lowest temperature we've had this winter is 15ºF, but their coop is very warm with heat lamps compared to the outside, especially since outside is windy or breezy 3/4 of the year. What I do know is who the most likely candidates for bullying her are, which are 2 of our Barred Rocks. This is my first year having chickens, and last year wouldn't be good since they would all freeze in the -20ºF weather. Thanks.

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Also, Red is looking a little better, but she is still ill and I will keep her there as long as it takes for her to heal. She is also very perky lately, so I think she is more happy in her little cage than in the chicken coop with the bullies.
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It was 23ºF last night but all of my chickens are cold-hardy breeds and the Speckled Sussex are heat-hardy as well, even though that only is helpful in the summer. With heat lamps all the chickens are warm, and on some nights I give them treats so they can digest them, which helps them keep warm.
 
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Glad she is doing better. Maybe it was just the bullying. I would try to get her some electrolytes as well since you mentioned her feathers are puffed.
 
Actually. I just found out that she has an egg stuck in her after all. I am right next to her. She is purring. I found this out when she pooped and her poo was watery. Apparently, from other chicken owners near me its a 50-50 shot. This was around an hour ago.
 

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