Emaciated chicken

[Luvmy9hens]

We spend an exceptional amount of time at the vet, unfortunately. (Every 2-4 weeks with my internal layer)
The implant was suprelorin - it's a hormonal implant that is suppose to shut down the ovaries. Often used on parrots. He wasn't sure how long it would last on a chicken-typically lasts a few years on parrots, but they aren't bred for egg making. It definitely did it's job, but she only lasted another 2months afterwards. Next time (hopefully there ISNT a next time) I would have it implanted as soon as problems started (we waited about 4mo). An emotional roller coaster than ended in heartbreak...for this reason I will NEVER buy chicks from farm supply again and have started rescuing hens.


I pulled my skinny girl in the house this morn for breakfast, she ate a bit, sat with me, and then went back outside. If you notice, she's leaning to one side as she sits- I'm assuming it's because it's uncomfortable to sit straight on her keel (no muscle to cushion). Any thoughts?? She's in a huge molt- so it's hard to tell if she is quiet because of that or because she's sick

This molt worries me too- my other chicken got sick after her first big molt.

Please let us know how this beautiful little girl is doing!

 

[mickeymousears]

She's looking pretty good! I've been giving her a homemade breakfast and dinner, which she eats and then rejoins the others. One night I got home late, pulled her off the roost for dinner -her crop was totally empty and she only took a few nibbles and wanted to go back to bed. Since, I've made sure to pull her inside earlier (before they go to bed) and she leaves with a full crop. It was def distressing tho to realize she goes to bed with nothing in her belly, so to speak--poor sweet girl
I did not take her to the vet today, unlike her friend who passed, this chicken totally stresses out in the car and the vet is about an hour round trip--so I'm trying to avoid unnecessary stress for her. I'm going to wait a week and reevaluate. Cross your fingers her prob was lack of food, and nothing else!

I'm hanging out with the flockers while my house is being worked on (she's directly behind the ducks head-they're BFFs)

 

[Luvmy9hens]

What a sweet little thing! I love the picture with her duck buddy! She does look quite thin but she is also still active which is a good sign. Hopefully keeping watch during her feeding time will make a difference. Once she is "back in shape" keep an eye out for bullying. I have a little hen who stays in the coop mostly because she is chased and harassed by the others

 

[mickeymousears]

Does anyone know how long it will be before I start seeing an improvement??

 

[mymilliefleur]

Are you giving her extra protein? I've had a couple of hens like this and they recovered after a couple of weeks of higher protein and after their feathers had grown back some.
If it helps, both hens put weght back on and did just fine after they were done molting. Good luck with her! keep us posted!

 

[mickeymousears]

Since I posted this...has it been a week yet?? My days run together...she's been getting an egg every morning, usually some cheese in the afternoon (along with grapes, sunflower seeds, oats, tomatoes, yogurt, blueberries, noodles, corn, peas, squash, etc- I mix it up depending on what the humans are eating). she has her own bowl of chicken crumbles/scratch/meal worms next to her breakfast bowl, that had yet to be touched.

This morning when I brought her upstairs I thought she seemed a little meatier (still emaciated...but slightly less)...could be wishful thinking... I got home late this evening (weekends are crazy for me), pulled her off the roost-she had a little bit in her crop (last time I got home late her crop was totally empty)...she didn't eat her dinner, set her down and she immediately turned around and went back downstairs :/ I'll make her a big breakfast.

My flock gets locked in the garage at night, garage is under the kitchen (downstairs). The other day I left the stair door open, so as I was cooking breakfast I kept calling her and eventually she made it upstairs for breakfast <3 <3 <3 she's such a sweet little girl. Loves to sit in my lap, comes running anytime I go outside. Tolerates my 2 year old, even allows the occasional toddler petting. I hate that she's not well .

 

[sbhkma]

It sounds like she's on the road to recovery. It will take a while for her weight and strength to build up. Is she still getting vitamins in her water? As she gains weight (and I would recommend a kitchen scale-they're cheap-so you can know for sure she's gaining), I'd start reducing the amount of "other" food she gets and perhaps mix up her regular chicken crumbles with some aloe juice. Moistened food is more appealing to them and the aloe is good for her digestion. It won't cure anything, won't kill worms or fleas or anything, but it's excellent for general digestion and well-being. My gals LOVE their crumbles & aloe, which they get all summer in the heat so they'll eat more and get more fluids. You're doing an amazing job with her and we all appreciate your updates.

 

[mymilliefleur]

Yes it sounds like shes recovering. My hens were like that too, they did not eat much feed at first. I gave mine yogurt, which they seemed to like a lot. as sbhkma said, the aloe will help them too.
Good luck with your hen! I hope she recovers!

 

[mickeymousears]

No- I haven't been adding vitamins to the water. A couple of years ago she was feather picking and I continually dosed her with nutri drench -which seemed to help....I'll pick some of that up on Monday (orrrr maybe I've still got some somwhere ??)
Thanks for the aloe tip!! I will def try this!!

 

[Luvmy9hens]

Thanks for the update! Glad to hear that she is on the mend! The diet that you are providing seems very varied! Good job! Whatever it takes to entice her to eat will be beneficial!

How is the molt going for her?
Have you visually observed her droppings for anything unusual (diarrhea/ clear/ bloody/etc)?
Are the other hens treating her well?