Alternative to layer's pellets for sick chicken

[Lorielus]

Not really - or rather than can't it's more doesn't want to as it's clearly uncomfortable with the swollen abdomen, she can definitely stand/move if necessary as she tries to move away when I'm giving her medicine!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi again - as she hasn't eaten much today and her crop feels full I think she might be a little impacted. I've massaged it a couple of times in the hope of breaking it up a bit - how long roughly does a crop take to clear normally?

(Wondering how long I should wait before calling in the vet - I know you can force her to regugitate but having never done it before I really wouldn't be confident in trying it on a chicken already as weak as she is).

If you have vet care, that would be best.

I would not try to vomit her, chickens can aspirate fluids into the lungs or choke and die.

Some crop issues can take a couple of weeks to resolve, if at all, a lot depends on the cause.
I would re-check the crop first thing before she eats/drinks - it should be empty or flat. Look to see if she's pooping too.
Here's a couple of very good articles that you may find helpful. Read those and let us know which "type" of crop issue it might be.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/


http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments

 

[Lorielus]

I thought I'd update this thread.

Unfortunately, Bo died last night. She had been kept in over the weekend for the vet to tube feed, with the plan being to drain her abdomen entirely and do an ultrasound and xray this morning, but her breathing got worse and worse, even on oxygen.

An autopsy revealed a tumour on her ovaduct that he thinks contributed to the yolks ending up in her abdomen, but also inflammation generally, including in her lung tissues.

She was an excellent chicken. Here she is last week, getting a bath to keep her clean while living inside, majestic and regal to the last.

 

[Henry&Friends]

My go to for helping a chicken pack on a few pounds is the same way I packed on so many pounds- scrambled eggs. Since it’s for a chicken, minus the cheese. I would also give her flock grower (?) crumble, and some yogurt (because they love yogurt)

 

[Henry&Friends]

I thought I'd update this thread.

Unfortunately, Bo died last night. She had been kept in over the weekend for the vet to tube feed, with the plan being to drain her abdomen entirely and do an ultrasound and xray this morning, but her breathing got worse and worse, even on oxygen.

An autopsy revealed a tumour on her ovaduct that he thinks contributed to the yolks ending up in her abdomen, but also inflammation generally, including in her lung tissues.

She was an excellent chicken. Here she is last week, getting a bath to keep her clean while living inside, majestic and regal to the last.

View attachment 1903334

I’m so sorry! Glad the autopsy revealed what was really happening, you did great and made sure she was comfortable and treated regally until the end.

 

[Lorielus]

Apologies, I'm looking for alternatives to pellets/crumb, rather than different types, she'll pick at pellets/crumb a little but doesn't seem to want to fill up on it.

Is there anything I can put together for her?

 

[Lorielus]

Thanks a lot, it that definitely ok - not too much protein?

 

[Lorielus]

Thanks again, that's really helpful

 

[Lorielus]

Hi again - as she hasn't eaten much today and her crop feels full I think she might be a little impacted. I've massaged it a couple of times in the hope of breaking it up a bit - how long roughly does a crop take to clear normally?

(Wondering how long I should wait before calling in the vet - I know you can force her to regugitate but having never done it before I really wouldn't be confident in trying it on a chicken already as weak as she is).

 

[Lorielus]

Thanks a lot, her crop did feel a lot better this morning after massaging a few times yesterday, though still not eating much unfortunately (aside from mealworms in water and a few bites of scrambled egg). She is going to the bathroom, though it's very runny at the moment (can also spot a couple of tiny wroms in it, though only a couple), so she's definitely not great all round.

She's back at the vet tomorrow so hopefully they can maybe help her a bit more.