EMERGENCY!! SICK HEN

[BayBay Peepers]

One small tip I'd like to add. If you're having difficulty opening her beak just gently pull on her wattle. I usually have to to this for worming and it's quick and efficient. And if you have to tube feed I promise it is not as bad as it seems. I was terrified the first time I did it so I know what you're thinking. Trust me, it gets easier especially when you see the improvements in the bird.

 

[Georgia Dream]

YAY!! I found a store that will carry the Valbazen and safeguard my vet called back and he is going to give me the tubing and even a demonstration on how to do it properly, So im going to go gather her up and get to my vet, thank you guys for helping out so much! Im glad i found this little support system. Wish me luck!

 

[birdman55]

get the valbazen...its more cost efficient and requires less amount and less handling of the birds...

 

[BayBay Peepers]

Best of luck to you! Keep us updated if you can

 

[Georgia Dream]

Shes doing so much better and I am so glad, everything is going so much smoother now, and im even letting her go walk around (under supervision) Thank you guys for helping me out! I truly appreciate it!

 

[birdman55]

im glad shes doing better...and now you have some er things on hand....congrats on your save...feels great when they turn around....that's for sure

 

[BayBay Peepers]

Glad to hear she is doing better. Great job I hope everything continues to go well from now on.

 

[LiveInBliss]

Hi all-

I am suspecting one of my hens (Americauna) has Mereks disease. She is 9 months old and has been super healthy until literally today... Her symptoms include uninterested in food, lethargic, can't balance, rolling around, frightened, feet seem to be slightly paralyzed. Eyes look fine, body has no visible tumors. She is a hearty chicken. I am in shock that she is sick.
So far I separated her by putting her in a crate with her own water and food (which she is completely uninterested in and she is still in coop just isolated (the coop is a converted shed, very large), turned heat lamp on (we are having the snow storm of the season right now with temps getting below 5 degrees tonight), gave all hens probiotics in their food... Help.. what else can I do until it's warm enough to clean the whole coop out??


Any tips to help the hen or should I let nature take its course?

Thanks,
sad farmer

 

[Cluckies]

Is there anything wrong with her feet? infection or anything? is she pooing? how is her crop and night and in the morning?

 

[BayBay Peepers]

If she's not eating or drinking on her own I would recommend tube feeding. I don't know enough about mareks to know if it just runs it's course or needs an antibiotic. Keep her warm and separate until she's feeling better.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/805728/go-team-tube-feeding