Ex Bat under the weather

[mrsminizoo]

Hi all,

I've used this forum a few time in the past for tips on caring for my little coop, however now i need to some help, i'm sure there are similar posts on this forum but there are just SO many to read through.

Basically one of my hens (ex bat who we have had for almost a year) seems a little under the weather the last few days, She keeps puffing up her feathers and standing still alot, but then she seems to snap out of it and goes back to being a normal hen with the other girls.

She has an upset tummy and has had so for a few days now, but other than this I can't see anything else wrong with her.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what might be wrong with her? Or what i can do to make her feel better?

We lost our first hen a few weeks ago after she had a prolapse and got pecked so bad by the other three while we were at work she got a severe bacterial infection It was heartbreaking, we hadn't realised just how attached we were the these little chickies.

Any help will be greatly appreciated

Thank you,

Laura

 

[Judy]

There are a number of things that can go wrong. Probably the most likely in older laying hens is a problem in the reporductive system. Ovarian cancer is very common, as is internal laying. She could also have worms or a lice/mite infestation. I'm not familiar with what meds you can get for worms or lice/mites over the pond. Perhaps you could find something in Where am I/ Where are You? in the UK thread.

In the US, when an older hen puffs up her feathers as if she's cold and won't eat or drink, the cause may very well be cocci. Here we treat with amprolium. But I don't think they usually do this then return to normal behavior, as your is doing.

Other than incurring some high vet bills, which in the US often doesn't solve the problem anyway, and keeping her comfortable, I don't know what else to suggest. Maybe someone else will come along with a good idea. Good luck, and welcome to our forum!

 

[mrsminizoo]

Thanks for the reply, she's not off her food or drink, she's acting like normal most of the time, just has a funny tummy.

 

[realsis]

above thread has very good information for you. could be signs of cocci. in that case you would treat with amproluim or corid brand name its the same. you can try that. and you can give her a probotic after treatment to replace good bacteria. you can find both usually at the feed store or online. for the probotic I use probios I get online. hope this helps best of luck.

 

[mrsminizoo]

I have also noticed after spending a lot of time with her today she is sneezing a lot and keeps shaking her head?? I brought some apple cider vinegar for her today, so hoped that will perk her up.