Barred Rock Hen Help!

[MacFarmer]

We are brand new at this and our hen who is about 5 mo. is not well! She laid on Saturday, but before she did she was lethargic, standing in one spot, eyes closed, feathers puffed. Since she laid she's had the same behavior. No eating or drinking. Will hop up on roost but no activity. Comb/face still red. Help!

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. She could have coccidiosis if she is having diarrhea. I would treat her and the rest with Corid (amprollium) 2 tsp liquid or (1 tsp of powder) per gallon of water for 5 days. Corid is in the cattle meds section of most feed stores. Search her skin especially under the vent for any mites or lice. Consider worming her with fenbendazole (SafeGuard) Horse Paste or Liquid Goat Wormer 1/2-3/4 ml by mouth, and repeat in 10 days. It's good that she has laid, but check her vent with a lubed finger just in case she is having some egg binding issues.

 

[MacFarmer]

No diarrhea. Tried the warm water treatment for egg binding. Seemed to perk her up a bit but she is still not right. Is there a way to attach a picture/video?

 

[cafarmgirl]

Even in the absence of diarrhea I think I'd treat with a round of Corid just to be on the safe side. It certainly will do no harm if this is something else but you will save her life if indeed she is brewing a nice case of coccidiosis. You have to start somewhere so I'd start by ruling out the thing that can kill her the fastest.

 

[MacFarmer]

Ok. Does it affect eggs? Eating etc?

 

[Wyandottes7]

Ok. Does it affect eggs? Eating etc?

Treating with Corid does not effect the eggs-- you can still eat them safely. Corid is only a thiamine blocker, its not like an antibiotic.

 

[Eggcessive]

No diarrhea. Tried the warm water treatment for egg binding. Seemed to perk her up a bit but she is still not right. Is there a way to attach a picture/video?

I think most people put the video up on YouTube, then send a link here. You can check inside the vent for a stuck egg.

 

[MacFarmer]

Ok so she's been better but now she's acting fine and then will suddenly just fall over on her side. We were sure she was dead but when we picked her up she stood up and walked off. What in the world?