Chicken listless, off feed

[billmac]

I have a hen about 6 months old. I noticed yesterday that she is lethargic. Just seems to be sitting around, either on the ground or on the roost. I haven't seen her eat. I picked her up and I didn't feel anything underneath that felt like egg-boundeness but honestly I don't really know what I'm looking for.

Anything I can do, or check for?

 

[BirdBrain]

Impacted crop?

Worms?

Concealed wounds? Lay her on your lap and cover her head with a towel to calm her and then feel her all over for anything you may have missed the first time. Check her around the vent real well and see if you see any clues there.

Don't know what else to look for. Maybe someone will come along who is a better help.

 

[hinkjc]

I agree..a full inspection is in order. Check for bugs too. Monitor her stools and describe color/consistency. Crop should be empty in the morning and full at bed time. Is she laying eggs yet? Check her legs/feet carefully for wounds, signs of inability to walk well, etc.

 

[billmac]

I'm pretty sure she has an impacted crop. Has anyone successfully treated this? What should I do?

Thanks

 

[BirdBrain]

Monique (aka Ruth) has successfully done crop surgeries and has documented it under the helpful links post at the top of this section. Do a search on BYC and see what you come up with. I seem to remember something about using oil and crop massage.

 

[hinkjc]

Yes, please try the oil and massage first. You can soak small bits of bread with olive oil and massage to try and break things up in there.

 

[billmac]

I'll try that. I also read you can put the oil in an eye dropper and put it in that way. I assume I should separate her and keep her from eating more?

I'm loathe to cut her open.

I read about a regurgitation method in a few places. Basically lube it up and push the stuff back out the throat and mouth. Any thoughts about that?

 

[hinkjc]

Regurgitation can be very dangerous if not done correctly. You can make them aspirate. Try the oil and massage several time a day to break things up, so hopefully she can pass them to her gizzard on her own.

 

[billmac]

I suppose putting them head downward would be the right thing if I was trying regurgitation. Oil and massage will come first.

Can someone verify that I should stop her food?

 

[Judy]

Yes, stop food for the moment. Go to the FAQ page and scroll down for links to good threads on impacted crop, which will tell you what to do and to feed her.