DESPERATE...PLEASE HELP!

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LindseyDMD

Chirping
Jun 1, 2017
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My red star hen, about a month ago started having a problem with one eye like it was scratched. At the time, it was only the lower lid that would come up a little and even then it was only sometimes. Her personality was the same and she was eating and drinking fine. About a week later, the lid still comes and goes, but it didn't seem of alarm. I also noticed her comb started to turn white at the tips and flop over. I figured since we had a heat wave she was hot. I filled up the water bucket with cold water. However, since then her comb hadn't gotten better. She was still acting the same. Then this Wednesday, I noticed a stark difference. Her eye was nearly swollen shut and she was acting mopey (very very unlike her). I would catch her laying down or with her head tucked in her wing which I have never seen. She was still eating fine. I took her to a vet yesterday and her condition was worse. He stated he believes the ulcer on her eye is causing stress, causing her to lose weight (she was just shy of three pounds; I never knew because she is very fluffy), and her overall sulking. He wasn't able to look in her throat because she was very feisty about it. However, I think something is wrong with her throat. She was given subcutaneous fluids, eye ointment, and pain meds yesterday. I have put the ointment on her eye three times today and given her meds, but she seems to be worse off. She acts like she wants to eat, and will grab for it occasionally, but acts like she can't open her mouth enough. She also does this weird smacking noise with her beak and CONSTANTLY wipes her mouth. She will wipe every single time she goes for a little piece of food. What could be wrong? I'm terrified to lose her, she is a very special girl. Idk what else to do and I am heartbroken. I have tried feeding her ham, tuna, scrambled eggs.. all to no avail. Please, if you have any info or advice...


 
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Flopped over comb wiping mouth and sleeping with head tucked under wing are normal.
Chickens are pretty good at hiding the real symptoms so the flock doesn't notice they are sick.
I don't know what is going on with your hen but checking her crop, breathing, poop, laying pattern, social pattern, discoloration in comb and wattle are a good way to start looking for something being off.
 
Flopped over comb wiping mouth and sleeping with head tucked under wing are normal.
Chickens are pretty good at hiding the real symptoms so the flock doesn't notice they are sick.
I don't know what is going on with your hen but checking her crop, breathing, poop, laying pattern, social pattern, discoloration in comb and wattle are a good way to start looking for something being off.

The vet said she was ok overall. Her poop yesterday was normal, but in very small amounts. Today was pure liquid, slightly yellow green. I assume from all the fluids yesterday and then not eating today. She quit laying when this started flaring up. Before then she was a very regular layer with beautiful eggs. Her breathing seems to be ok. I noticed today her wattle (forgive me for the ignorance, but the part that hangs from the beak) started turning white as well.
 
Ok I read the clicking beak is normal also. Her crop looks full in the video. She does look like she's having a hard time with her vision. Did the vet say she has an ulcer in her eye area?
 
I hate hearing about hurt or sick chickens, because I dont know what to do for them.
I feel very sad about your hen, she's so pretty. All I can do is pray to Jesus for healing for your pet. I'm so sorry.
I do too! Especially when they cannot tell you what is wrong. I will be praying as well for her to recover. Thank you so much for the words and thoughts!! Xoxo
 

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