Barred Rock Hen - Lethargic, Standing with Neck "retracted" down

[hollyinpa]

My hen, Ida Mae ( a 2 1/2 year old barred rock) has been "under the weather" today - not her normal chipper self.

She's been very lethargic and staying in the chicken run even when we open the door so she and her sister can "free range". She stands with her neck not fully extended, with her head close to her body. I noticed, when she ate a few pieces of bread with yogurt on them that she extended her neck and moved it around from side to side as if trying to "help" the bread move down.

Ida has not been laying eggs for the past 6 months but doesn't appear to be egg bound. She (up until today) has moved freely around the yard and would run up to me happily for treats.

We are thinking she is having crop issues. There isn't a large hard mass in her crop but we can detect a smaller lump of some sort. We've given her yogurt and mineral oil and I know have her in a crate in the sunroom so I can watch her closely. She's not eating much and, since I've handled her more today, I've noticed she's markedly thinner than her sister, Gladys.

Needless to say, Gladys is not happy that Ida is indoors and she's outside alone. Hopefully the mineral will help break up the lump in Ida's crop. I have been massaging it as much as she will allow.

I know she's not feeling well because will let me know hold her in my arms without much of a fuss. She just doesn't seem to have the energy to fight me.

Anyone else have any other helpful hints for my girl? I am getting worried.

 

[mmajw]

Try offering grit if she will eat it, that should help her crop.

 

[hollyinpa]

Quote:
Thanks. Just put some in the chicken run for her.

She is drinking water pretty well - which is a good sign, I suppose.

 

[hollyinpa]

Ida Mae hasn't made much progress since Sunday. She stands around with her neck tightly retracted close to her body still.

She is still VERY lethargic and her wings are now drooping a bit - as if she's just too tired to hold them tight against her.

She's drinking some water and eats a bit of mash and yogurt when I put it out for her. I just dusted the run and hen house with DE. I also sprinkled some in the food, too.

Her crop doesn't seem to be any different since Sunday. I am thinking it might be something else like worms or parasites.

I am really starting to worry that she may not recover from this.

Any helpful tips would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[mmajw]

Can you post a pic?? Has she had any contact with any rodents (mice/rats)?? Is there anyone else in the flock that is ill??
Try layer mash or crumbles if that is easier for her to eat.

 

[hollyinpa]

Something else that may factor in is that she did not moult this past year and she hasn't laid ANY eggs in about 6 months. Her sister, Gladys, moulted and is back to laying an egg per day.

We just checked her vent/bottom and it doesn't appear red, inflamed, etc. Her rump feathers are not crusted with poop - she appears normal in that aspect.

Notice how her neck is "retracted" - for lack of a better word - and her wing feathers are drooping. Her wings were not like that yesterday.

I just checked on her and she's eating the mushy layer pellets that are mixed with yogurt and I hope the DE will take care of whatever parasites/worms might be causing issues.

She lets us hold her - which tells us a lot about how she's feeling as she typically would "run for the bushes" to get away from us.

Up until Sunday she seemed to be feeling ok - actively exploring the yard, eating treats, running to greet us...

I wish I knew how to help her. If something happens to Ida then Gladys will be all alone...so sad.

 

[mmajw]

Maybe you should try Tetracycline in her water. About 1 tsp. per gallon should be good. Has she had any contact with rodents? When mine was walking with wings like that and neck down in she had an infection and the tetracycline really helped. Hope she is better soon.

 

[hollyinpa]

Ida has had no contact with rodents that we know of. We've had a rodent "bunk in" under our henhouse a year ago, but he's not be around in a long whille.

Where do I get Tetracycline?

 

[stilwellchick]

If she has worms, DE will not cure that. Have you taken a fecal specimen into the vet? I am concerned that a hen that age hasn't laid for 6 months. Hope someone else will help. Diana should have an idea.

 

[hollyinpa]

The vet we use for our 2 dogs and 3 cats doesn't provide care for chickens.

I am having a hard time finding a vet who will even look at chickens. Anyone have any pointers on how to find a vet in southeastern PA that will help our hen?