Greetings
WeNeedDrPhil,
It would be good if you could take the hen to see a vet.
If that is not possible, let's move forward with some suggestions.
Saaniya may be correct.
She could have canker or wet pox, or even something else. But, Canker and wet pox are more common, treatment is different for both.
I have no experience with canker or wet pox, only what I have read.
If it is canker, which is caused by a protozoa, she will need a specific medication, metronidazole (Flagyl). You can purchase the tablets (
for fish), at a pet shop, or online. My research shows the dose is 250 mg. (125 mg. for bantams), per day, for 5 days. If you have more chickens in the same pen, they may benefit if you medicate the water with acidified copper sulfate, if they have been exposed by drinking from the same waterers. Use only glass or plastic water containers if you use copper sulfate.
If the chicken is falling over, or
has foul smell coming from the mouth, I am leaning towards the canker. Sometimes there is also watery or sticky eyes, or diarrhea, dehydration, crop problems. This disease can move slowly or quickly kill her. Recovered birds remain carriers.
If it is wet pox, which is caused by a virus, swabbing the mouth sore with a saline solution will soften them. If needed, remove with a swab. If there is thick discharge at the back of the mouth preventing the chicken from eating, soak a swab in betadine, then, carefully swab it off. It may bleed so work gently. A broad spectrum antibiotic, is also recommended to prevent secondary infection. Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, to one gallon drinking water to prevent the virus from spreading.
During the treatment it may seem that the sores are not getting better, but then they should gradually heal. Be diligent about cleaning and disinfecting the waterers for at least four weeks.
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If the chicken is not eating, you may want to syringe feed, with a bird meal replacement. Or grind some feed in a spice or coffee mill, then sift to a fine powder. Mix with water, and feed with a syringe. Go slowly, as he could choke/aspirate. You can also put it into a dish and see if she'll eat on her own. She needs nourishment if she is going to survive. Sores from both conditions can spread into the throat, preventing the chicken from eating.
I highly recommend a vet, as I am not a professional, just a chicken keeper like you.
These are documented treatments from my poultry medical books. I hope they are of some use to you.
These are my thoughts on your chicken's issue. I hope I have been helpful.
God Bless
