Chicken not eating...

[eBird]

...I noticed yesterday that my usually feisty top chicken, Dandelion was not eating and was lethargic. She has minimal runny bowl movements.

I separated her from the rest of my chickens and she ate a very very small amount of yogurt.

I am hoping that she might just be very stressed from a dog that came into the chicken yard about 5 days ago. But, I find it unusual that she is not even eating her favorite foods.

Not sure what else to do for her. Insights?

 

[Judy]

Take it easy on the yogurt as birds do not make lactase. They do seem to be able to tolerate small amounts of it.

Chickens definitely can go into a sort of shock from stress. I think I would provide a quiet, separate place for a day or two, with a little extra warmts if it's quite cold at night there. Liquid is more important than food; you can always drip a few drops of water onto the side of her beak with an eye droper, and let her suck it in.\\Maybe a little rest, quiet and time will get her through it.

 

[eBird]

Thank you for your response! Love this community!

Dandelion does seem to have improved. She is sitting on the roosting bar in her crate and has had more yogurt and part of a hard boiled egg.

I will try your trick with the water.

Warmly.