My main concern is my Rhode Island Red pullet, Phoenix. She is roughly 5 months old and has not laid an egg yet. She is usually very "springy", full of fire! Anyway, yesterday morning I went to check on my flock, and everyone was outside roaming around their "yard" like normal. However, Phoenix was huddled by herself near the far fence. I tossed in a green apple to them that had fallen from the storm. As Phoenix tried to stand and run for the apple, she fell and somersaulted, then 'crawled' slowly to nibble on the apple with everyone else. When I go in to catch her, she usually runs for the coop and clucks at me. This time she did not even move nor make a peep. Her feet and legs were ice cold and she was keeping her eyes closed as much as possible (still is)! I brought her inside and used a blow dryer and towel to warm her up. But, she still didn't perk up. I did some reading and soaked her in a sink of warm water with some Epsom salt. It woke her up a bit. She has not stopped eating or drinking, just not as much as normal. She did not poop for over 3 hours. I had to leave for the night and when I came back this morning, probably only one or two droppings worth. It was runny, but looked fairly normal, just smelled like something acidic and dead. I felt for an egg (externally).. after reading that she may be egg bound. I don't feel anything. She cannot stand upright, just kind of squats while leaning forward with her rump higher. If you push her to one side, she falls and does not try to get back up or even catch herself. Almost like she is partially paralyzed. I've tried everything I can think of and have read through briefly. What could be wrong with her?? I'll try to add a picture of her most recent poop... My other chicken that is sick is a Easter Egger hen, Charity (sold to me as an Ameraucana). She is about 1 1/2 years old. She has been laying about an egg a day or every other day all spring and summer long. Then, out of the blue she stopped. A few days later, I was checking on the chickens and noticed she had a stuffy up and runny nose, she was also lethargic, coughing and sneezing. Her poop was white and chalky (it has since gone back to more or less normal). I brought her inside, I soaked a washcloth in hot water and held it over her beak to breathe in the steam (plus a bit of Vick's VapoRub). It helped a little... But a few hours later, I ran up to the store and got her some antibiotics. She perked up a lot within a few minutes of drinking a good amount down. I kept her on them and separated for 2 weeks. She is completely back to normal as far as energy and 'talking' goes. and no more stuffed or runny nose... but, she is still coughing and sneezing (you can still hear like mucus or something in her throat).... What should I do now?? Side Note:: the weather has been very crazy for this time of year... we have nearly 80 degree days, then around 6PM, a thunderstorm dumps rain all night long (dropping the temp down to around the 40's very quickly). It has been like this for over a week. Every day. :: My chickens are not only my pets, but like family members to me, I am a huge animal lover! However, I cannot take them to the vet because as far as my husband is concerned, "they are just chickens.." So, looking for home treatments, please. Thank you in advance!!
I e had a similar problem as your Easter egger hen one chicken became ill then two more, the second two quickly recovered with antibiotics but the first one isn't. Recovering as well, we are going to try a different antibiotic and something to break down the phlem I've heard nutri vitamins really help so I've bought some online and I'm going to worm them Your idea with Vicks and steam was good I was trying to rub the Vicks on my chickens chest! Are you giving antibiotics to Phoenix ? I would and just as much tlc as you can I moved mine indoors she slept in a cat carrier, its been hell but its so hard not to worry about them My husband would of culled them all! Vets bill has been hideous too. I hope your chickens improve x
Welcome to BYC. I would be tempted to treat her for coccidiosis with Corid (amprollium) for 5 days. Symptoms of coccidiosis are lethargy, standing puffed up, weakness, poor appetite, diarrhea, and ruffled feathers on the neck. Some of her symptoms of imbalance and sitting funny could be symptoms of a vitamin deficiency or even possibly Mareks disease. I would start some B vitamins (thiamine and riboflavin,) vitamin E, and selenium. Selenium is found in eggs, low salt canned tuna, sunflower seeds, and ground Brazil nuts.
Thank you all for your helpful responses! Phoenix passed away shortly after I posted... shouldn't have waited so long to post But, I believe it was Coccidiosis after comparing symptoms. After the antibiotics were finished, I started Charity on water with vitamins and ACV. I was thinking of putting her back with the flock. She was on the antibiotics for 2 weeks, separated for nearly 3 weeks. She is back to normal (save for a little sneezing here and there) and getting very frisky being locked up.... Any opinions on letting her back with the flock?