Do you think we can save her? Wheezing chicken in distress NEED HELP!

[canuckychick]

WE HAVE OUR FIRST SICK CHICKEN! She is all puffed up and has her eyes closed (most of the time) and is breathing strangely (almost like she is catching her breath). We have her in a box in the house to stay warm separated from the others and wondering if anyone has any advice...Yesterday she seemed fine. Our chickens have the run of the property and get to explore the area. We do not think anything is blocking her airway but she is refusing to take any water we give her by syringe. This happened sometime between yesterday and today. She is showing signs of molting for the first time but there doesn't seem to be any problems around the bum area. She is a year old now.

IF YOU KNOW WHAT IS WRONG, PLEASE LET US KNOW. In the meantime, I am doing research as well. Thanks in advance!

 

[Eggcessive]

How does her crop feel--is it empty or full? Can you put on a rubber glove, and stick a finger inside her vent an inch or two to check for a stuck egg? If you don't think it is a crop problem or that she is egg bound, I would go get some Tylan 50 injectable, and give her 1 ml orally, a few drops at a time, twice a day for 5 days. If you feel comfortable with injections, you can also give it into the breast muscle instead. Has she been laying eggs recently? Has she lost weight through her breast area? If she is not better by morning, I would try to get her to a vet. Tube feeding her might be something you would like to do to give her fluid with electrolytes.

 

[canuckychick]

Thank you for the advice but unfortunately it was too late. While my husband was holding her, she started to convulse and shortly afterward passed away. I am hoping I don't have to experience this again as I am very attached to my chickens but will keep your advice on file. Thank you again for you advice.

 

[Eggcessive]

Your state vet could possibly do a necropsy on her refrigerated body if you want to find the cause of death. So sorry for hour loss.

 

[canuckychick]

Thank you. I appreciate it.



We are all very sad at her passing.