Drooping wings...need antibiotic?

[sara1226]

I have a 8 month old hen who's wings are drooping and is sleeping a lot. She is not sneezing, no drainage, no signs of worms, no mites or lice. She is eating and drinking though. I've only had her for 2 months, but to me it seems like she is growing slow. She's a really good girl, she lets me hold her and pet her all the time, hence me being able to do a thorough check for mites. The only other thing I noticed is that she changed her sleeping location. She was up on the roost before with her fellow RIR, and now she is down below snuggling up with the silkies who can't get up on the roost.

Is it time for an anti biotic? If so what kind do I need? Please help ASAP.. So I can get meds if needed ASAP!

Thanks all, much appreciated!

Oh.. The weather changed here recently too.. Got almost 20 degrees cooler, a rapid change in temp.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

http://www.hobbyfarms.com/images/hobby-farm-livestock/sick-chicken_800.jpg

A healthy 8 month old hen won't be affected by that temperature change.
Illness can be caused by bacteria, virus, fungus, parasites, nutrition, environment, etc.. Antibiotics can only effect bacteria and many bacteria that affect chickens have no cure so IMHO, antibiotics aren't indicated unless you know exactly what is wrong.
If you want to save the hen, some lab work by a vet that knows poultry is your best bet.
Where are you located?

 

[sara1226]

Northern wisconsin, I've been searching for a vet that takes chickens and can't find one. It's been frustrating. I totally understand what you are saying, but wouldn't an antibiotic be worth a try to see if it would help? I feel like.. How do I know unless i try... Oh shoot.. I just noticed I put this thread in the wrong forum. Sorry. Oops

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Yes, poultry vets are as rare as hen's teeth.
If madison is too far away how about a vet recommendation from your state poultry lab.
http://www.wvdl.wisc.edu/