Crevecoeuer Hen - not eating, can’t hold herself up

[Riversideflock]

Sick Crevecoeur hen with the following symptoms: lethargic, won't eat, won't drink water, rarely makes any noises, labored breathing, barely lifts her head up.

We've quarantined her and have been giving her water, selenium, and vitamin E through a syringe but we're not seeing improvement and we don't want her in unnecessary pain but would love to save her if we could.

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Eggcessive]

How old is she? Have you added any new birds recently? Does she normally lay eggs? How does her crop feel—empty and flat, full, firm or squishy? Is her lower belly under her vent enlarged or tight? Does she have any respiratory symptoms, such as congestion, rattly breathing, sneeze, watery eye, or swollen eyelid? I would offer some electrolytes or Poultry NutriDrench 2 ml, and mix some watery egg and chicken feed.

 

[Riversideflock]

@Eggcessive Thank you for the response!

She's 2 years old, we recently added some silkie babies

She normally lays a bunch of eggs and eats like it's her job. Vent looks good, crop feels empty, eyes look totally normal, no sneezing just labored breathing

 

[Eggcessive]

Has she been in contact with the silkie chicks? How are her poops? I would offer her some human super b complex vitamins 1/2 tablet orally every day. Offer mushy wet chicken feed up to her beak. Egg, tuna, canned cat food sometimes can tempt them to eat.

 

[Riversideflock]

@Eggcessive Yes, she has been in contact with the Silkies, I just tried the tuna and she didn't eat it yet but it's the most intrigued she's been by food in 2 days. Her poops have been watery with a hint of whatever food is left in her system.

Off to get the super b complex vitamins now!

 

[Eggcessive]

Being around the silkies, she also could have been exposed to a different strain of coccidia, so keep that in mind. Pictures of her poop might be helpful to decide if coccidiosis could be a possibility. Of course, if Corid is used for possibly coccidiosis, B vitamins are not given at the same time. But I would try the B complex today and tomorrow to see if it increases her appetite and strength. If you think coccidiosis might be a problem and need to start Corid you can stop the B then. The labored breathing is something that is puzzling, and has me guessing. Does she have any signs of being egg bound? Calcium is usually given for that.