8 Month old hen becomes limp!

[EricEdwards]

About 5 days ago my 8 month old barred rock hen’s waddle became lighter, so we didn’t think much of it. This morning, we found her limp in her legs, so we separated her in a spectate cage. When we checked her tonight she was dieing and laying down with her eyes closed. We didn’t feel an egg in her vent, but that had been the first time he had ever looked for that. What could this be? No other birds have any other symptoms. Please help!

 

[micstrachan]

My hens can act very sick when they are coming into molt. Are there feathers anywhere besides her body? Do you know when she last laid?

 

[EricEdwards]

I don’t know when she last laid. She hasn’t lost feathers, she lame and dieing.

 

[micstrachan]

I’m sorry. Can we see a photo of her body language? She may not be dying. Maybe we can help figure out the problem.

 

[EricEdwards]

She’s just laying down and limp, I can’t get a picture right now. She honestly looks dead, but is breathing.

 

[micstrachan]

Thank you for the information. I’m so sorry. I’m not sure how to help you. Are you up for examining her? Feel her abdomen and see if it’s bloated. Feel her crop and see how it feels? Feel if her breast bone (keel) is prominent?

Another possibility is coccidiosis, which can kill quickly. A pale comb would indicate parasites, imho, if it isn’t molt related.