Depressed chicken?

[Chickadee888]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I had a sick chicken at the beginning, too, similar symptoms, and I later figured she was stressed because I bought her from a feed store and my other 3 pullets from a different source (all on the same day tho and same age)...i.e., she was more stressed by the new home than the girls who were all from the same place and had each other as comfort. Anyway, I fed her pedialyte and scrambled eggs (no meds as I just didn't have any) and she pulled through surprisingly, though months later she's still smaller than the rest. I definitely think chickens are more difficult than other animals...they just seem so susceptible to so many different diseases and parasites, and so easily stressed by change (never mind the predators!). You tried your best and there's probably not much else you could have done. Enjoy the rest of your girls and don't be discouraged!

 

[aart]

As for feeding Kara, we kept squirting in her mouth several times a day watching for her to swallow. I was afraid to do more because I was afraid I would hurt more than help.

Yes, it's tricky, it's very easy for them to aspirate.
Here's an excellent article about giving liquids to an ailing bird.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...dications-to-all-poultry-and-waterfowl.73335/

 

[TwoCrows]

I am so sorry you lost her. Its never easy to lose them. I hope your heavy heart heals soon.

 

[tamtbell]

She was a nice girl, liked the humans a lot, hung out with us for the short time we had her around, unlike the teenagers or babies. The teenage girls only hang out with us when we have food or treats, Kara on the other hand just liked to follow the humans around and talk about stuff. It was cute.

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry for your loss! Chickens try to act 'fine' until they just can't, and then they just look 'sick'. Only a necropsy will tell you what caused her death, and it would be a good idea to have it done, if possible.
Mary

 

[ChickyPants]

Sorry to hear this. I find it is always your favourite/most friendly birds that die first.
Hope your other chickens are 100% okay.

 

[Ironwomanjen]

Hhmm, so I went through some of the potential issues but none seem to apply. Other than sleepy/listlessness. But then she hasn't really been exposed to any of the things on the list. And if it was mites/worms or something along those lines wouldn't the others show symptoms too? She is the only newby by the way. The others all have been with us for at least a month or more. (the two teenagers have been with us since April, the babies since early June)

Dealing with this situation as well. Lavender Orphington, always the sweetest bird. Her two buddies dies in the last 3 months and she is just giving up. She lays by herself and does not associate with the younger birds. Always by herself. Eats and hides. Does not care about treats. She is physically healthy and mentally lost. She has to be brought in at night because she just doesn't care anymore. I wish I knew how to help her. She is depressed and there is no doubt about it.