"Boss Chook" is about 3 years old but could be more as she was "bonus" when I bought my pullets.
She is one of 6 hens, the others all seem fine.
Free ranging in the backyard
She was the top bird but recently lost her place to a younger one.
Her comb has folded over but is still red and not purplish or blue
She is underweight judging by her keel bone which feels prominent and sharp
Her crop is small and hard - not as big as a ping pong ball
Not eating unless I hand feed treats
Drinking some water when offered
Droppings are watery and white to yellowish with smaller than usual lumps of darkish green solids
She has a very dirty bottom with some yellowish and greenish gunk stuck to the feathers
Not sure if she has laid recently (how to tell?)
She has been lethargic for a few weeks and often off by herself with feathers ruffled, but seemed ok if offered food until last 3 days
I've kept her isolated today to monitor droppings and she only passed 3 in 12 hours and ate sparsely
No pesticides or other hazards in the yard, all birds were treated with lice and mite spray 2 weeks ago. The roost is steel and they are only in it to roost as they have free access to the entire yard at all times.
One thought, even though they have plenty of fresh watertap water they do seem to like the pond to drink from but all other birds seem well.
Thank you for any thoughts about what to do next.
She is one of 6 hens, the others all seem fine.
Free ranging in the backyard
She was the top bird but recently lost her place to a younger one.
Her comb has folded over but is still red and not purplish or blue
She is underweight judging by her keel bone which feels prominent and sharp
Her crop is small and hard - not as big as a ping pong ball
Not eating unless I hand feed treats
Drinking some water when offered
Droppings are watery and white to yellowish with smaller than usual lumps of darkish green solids
She has a very dirty bottom with some yellowish and greenish gunk stuck to the feathers
Not sure if she has laid recently (how to tell?)
She has been lethargic for a few weeks and often off by herself with feathers ruffled, but seemed ok if offered food until last 3 days
I've kept her isolated today to monitor droppings and she only passed 3 in 12 hours and ate sparsely
No pesticides or other hazards in the yard, all birds were treated with lice and mite spray 2 weeks ago. The roost is steel and they are only in it to roost as they have free access to the entire yard at all times.
One thought, even though they have plenty of fresh watertap water they do seem to like the pond to drink from but all other birds seem well.
Thank you for any thoughts about what to do next.
