Dying Chicken - Gasping for breath

[mritti]

I've had a 9 month old hen that has been slowly declining. We have tried everything but it is clear she is close. She is breathing with her mouth open and having a difficult time. She isn't standing, stopped eating last night and has eyes shut. Is this what happens at the end? I hate seeing her like this and am just trying to make her comfortable. Dropping some water and nutra drench in her beak from time to time and letting her in the sun with music. I have come to terms with this being the end, I'm heart broken, but watching her in pain makes me wish I could put her out of her misery. I am not even sure what I'm asking on here - I guess if anyone else has had this happen? And if there's something I can do.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I've had a 9 month old hen that has been slowly declining. We have tried everything but it is clear she is close. She is breathing with her mouth open and having a difficult time. She isn't standing, stopped eating last night and has eyes shut. Is this what happens at the end? I hate seeing her like this and am just trying to make her comfortable. Dropping some water and nutra drench in her beak from time to time and letting her in the sun with music. I have come to terms with this being the end, I'm heart broken, but watching her in pain makes me wish I could put her out of her misery. I am not even sure what I'm asking on here - I guess if anyone else has had this happen? And if there's something I can do.

If you think this is the end then put her out of her misery. If you can't, then ask a neighbor or relative if they can.

You mention that you've tried everything. What have you tried?
Has she laid eggs?
Is her crop emptying?
Any swelling/bloat or fluid in her abdomen?

 

[mritti]

She stopped laying 2 months ago. We thought she was egg bound but she wasn't - just declining and not keeping up with the flock free ranging. Took her to a vet that basically offered to put her on fluids, X-rays and a bunch of other dialysis work that I delclined since we were exceeding $350 for just a visit (ridiculous) they did check her out and crop emptying (green diarrhea has been constant for 3 weeks) and did a fecal sample that came back with high yeast so we did a round of Nyastan. She was doing better, still not great, and last week I gave her a round of epsom salt since I thought maybe she ingested something and that's why she was sick - still declined. Has been puffed up for weeks, but past 2 days it is really bad - couldn't jump on roost and just laid down. I took her away from flock and have been keeping her warm inside. Last night she ate grapes and rice. Today she has labored breathing, eyes shut and just will barely stand. It's the worst feeling because I keep hoping she will snap back. I've been giving her some water with a little oregano oil and tried to give her some egg yolk. I wish she would just go to sleep in this blanket and be at peace. No one in my neighborhood has any idea what to do with chickens - we live in LA. My heart is so sad

 

[Chickeria]

I'm very sorry for your little hen and for you. And I'm very sorry I can't be of any help.
I wish you strength to cope with the situation

 

[Sally PB]

I am so sorry. If I were in that position and couldn't humanely euthanize her, I would hold her in my lap, stroke her gently, and tell her how much I appreciated all the eggs she has laid. I would reminisce about all the good times she/we had. Just sit with her until I couldn't any more or she passed. I don't know what else to say; there are no words at a time like this.

Hugs for your broken heart.

 

[95eanimal]

I had a female chicken and her cone on top turned purple! she died after... in my arms...
purple cone means the loss of air! the bird is loosing air!!
white cone means the loss of blood! the bird has mites and mites suck there blood.
like a white skinny cone ( looks destroyed) means frost bight and needs treat meant

 

[95eanimal]

I was in the same position as you... helping the bird... how is she now? is she still alive?

 

[PurpleCArTires]

I had a lady who I was sure was going to pass. Doing the same thing, laying there gasping. Not egg bound. I didnt take her to the vet like you did tho. We offered her water with acv and rubbed VetRX on her face and eyes. And under her wings and dropped a little on her beak to drink. I think it may have helped her breathe better. I honestly expected her to pass over night (it was really bad). But she slowly got better. She was a rescue so i dont have a clue how old she is.
Just an idea for you is the VetRx, it really seemed to relax her and help her breathe. No matter the out come, she maybe more comfortable. Hugs to you and your lovely hen, good luck and hopefully she recovers.