EMERGENCY whats wrong with my hen?

[Louise Waffles]

Did the vet look at a fecal sample? In my experience, it's a good way to rule some things out.

It may be an egg laying issue, which is something I am dealing with now. The symptoms your hen has are similar to what mine has, but my hen had accumulated as massive amount of fluid in her abdomen. Does your hen's bottom half feel full of water? Did the vet check that area? I think it would be a hard thing to miss, but it may be early stage and not that obvious. Do you have other chickens? Compare, see if she has more to her backside, may be fluid.

I don't know if you're seeing an avian vet or a regular vet, but sometimes switching vets is a good idea. I called an avian vet who just DID NOT CARE. He was puzzled by my wanting to save a CHICKEN. I switched to a regular vet that helps me when I need it (even just calling in prescriptions based on the symptoms, WITHOUT an appointment), and if you cultivate a relationship with a REALLY GOOD vet...it is a priceless thing when
you are just clueless and worried sick and don't even know where to start.
If you don't know how, learn to tube feed. I've had chickens refuse to eat or drink, and probably would have died if it weren't for my having learnt that skill. (Was anyone else SO SCARED the first time they did that?) It kept them hydrated/fed while I worked to solve whatever problem they were having.

Sorry to be so longwinded. Keep her hydrated, and keep us posted. I also think you should dump your vet.

 

[mavis4]

Did the vet look at a fecal sample? In my experience, it's a good way to rule some things out.

It may be an egg laying issue, which is something I am dealing with now. The symptoms your hen has are similar to what mine has, but my hen had accumulated as massive amount of fluid in her abdomen. Does your hen's bottom half feel full of water? Did the vet check that area? I think it would be a hard thing to miss, but it may be early stage and not that obvious. Do you have other chickens? Compare, see if she has more to her backside, may be fluid.

I don't know if you're seeing an avian vet or a regular vet, but sometimes switching vets is a good idea. I called an avian vet who just DID NOT CARE. He was puzzled by my wanting to save a CHICKEN. I switched to a regular vet that helps me when I need it (even just calling in prescriptions based on the symptoms, WITHOUT an appointment), and if you cultivate a relationship with a REALLY GOOD vet...it is a priceless thing when
you are just clueless and worried sick and don't even know where to start.
If you don't know how, learn to tube feed. I've had chickens refuse to eat or drink, and probably would have died if it weren't for my having learnt that skill. (Was anyone else SO SCARED the first time they did that?) It kept them hydrated/fed while I worked to solve whatever problem they were having.

Sorry to be so longwinded. Keep her hydrated, and keep us posted. I also think you should dump your vet.

Okay thanks so much for the long detailed answer. I have ordered the coxoide now so fingers crossed. Yes it is an avain vet as I thought that would be better but should I switch to a regular vet? She drinks tons already so I don't think I have to worry about dehydration. I will keep you posted, thanks

 

[Louise Waffles]

Okay thanks so much for the long detailed answer. I have ordered the coxoide now so fingers crossed. Yes it is an avain vet as I thought that would be better but should I switch to a regular vet? She drinks tons already so I don't think I have to worry about dehydration. I will keep you posted, thanks

I mean that just because it's an avian vet doesn't mean it's better for your chickens. I may be wrong, but it sounds to me like your vet threw an antibiotic at you and when it didn't work, just said the hen should be put down, and had no other solution, idea, or anything. From your post, the vet sounded...disengaged. It would be better to have a vet that is more...driven? Engaged? Maybe ask at the feed store, or ask other chicken keepers who they like.

Good luck with her!
I'm staying subscribed to this thread for updates, hoping for the best

 

[mavis4]

I mean that just because it's an avian vet doesn't mean it's better for your chickens. I may be wrong, but it sounds to me like your vet threw an antibiotic at you and when it didn't work, just said the hen should be put down, and had no other solution, idea, or anything. From your post, the vet sounded...disengaged. It would be better to have a vet that is more...driven? Engaged? Maybe ask at the feed store, or ask other chicken keepers who they like.

Good luck with her!
I'm staying subscribed to this thread for updates, hoping for the best

Okay yeah I totally agree. I know someone who owns tons of chickens so I may ask her what get she uses. Yes my vet at the moment really dosnt care about her which made me pretty angry so won't be going back there. I'm sure it would be different to her if it was a dog or a cat but it's no difference to me! Thank god for the forum otherwise where would I be now haha!!!

Thank you fingers crossed she pulls through this and I will keep you updated!

 

[Scottankarens]

My order of actions;

1) Treat for coccodiosis (as someone already mentioned)

2) Add electrolytes to the water

3) Do a deworming treatment

Hope this helps!

 

[mavis4]

Okay so my coxoid had just arrived but how much do I syringe feed her?

 

[Louise Waffles]

Is it the kind that gets put in the drinking water?

 

[Louise Waffles]

28ml per 4.5L for seven days.

 

[Louise Waffles]

http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Coxoid_Coccidiosis_Treatment.html

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Okay so my coxoid had just arrived but how much do I syringe feed her?

According to the manufacturer this is the dosage for the coxiod you purchased - hope this helps

http://www.harkersonline.co.uk/product/treatments/coxoid-treats-coccidiosis/
Active Ingredients
Contains 3.84%w/v Amprolium Hydrochloride BP (Vet)
Dosage and Administration
Add Coxoid to the drinking water at a rate of 28ml per 4.5 litres (1fl.oz. per gallon) for 7 days. In serious outbreaks of coccidiosis, treatment at half strength (14ml per 4.5 litres) should be continued for a furthur 7 days. The birds should not have access to unmedicated drinking water during the treatment period. Any medicated water which is not consumed within 24 hours should be discarded.