Help! 9mo old hen laying on her side, eyes mostly closed

[RileysBirds]

Update: Just brought her into the laundry room. When I got home, she was actually on her feet, leaning against the wall of her nesting box, eyes still closed. She's obviously very weak, because she stumbled when I set her back down after picking her up. She's resting now in what looks like a slightly more normal sleeping position, but she still doesn't open her eyes except very briefly. On recommendation from my father-in-law (who is a long-time farmer and country doctor) I gave her a 1/4 dose of an antibiotic. I've also spoon fed her some water - I had to open her beak to do so - she did not drink water put in front of her, but she did swallow when I gave it to her. Someone here recommended yogurt or oatmeal - I don't have oatmeal, but may have some yogurt. Any other suggestions as far as getting something in her? Thanks again everyone!

 

[SunnysideupDale]

I'm curious to know of a solution here. We are currently having the exact same experience with our 9 mo old wyandotte. About a month or so ago she was chased by a dog that got into our yard (we assume she was chased as we saw the dog in our yard and she ended up hiding inside a rosemary bush for an hour afterward.) She received no injuries, but she stopped laying eggs after this incident. I do no believe she is egg bound as I examined her vent and could feel no eggs. However, she is today extremely weak. We have her inside, wrapped in a towel on a heat pad. Her eyes are closed. She'll swallow, but she is not showing any interest in any food or water. Best of luck to your hen!!

 

[cthrash1]

If you can get your hands on some poly vi sol without iron you may want to give her a few drops a day for a couple of days. I know she isn't a chick but it may help. I had a chick get tangle in her mommas feathers and almost suffocated and was very weak. Brought her in and gave her a drop of Poly vi sol and with 10 minutes it was up and walking around drinking and eating. What had happened is the mommas feathers stuck together and made kind of a string and it was wrapped tight around the chicks chest. So maybe a few drops at a time will help for a grown chicken. just a suggestion.

 

[RileysBirds]

Wow, SunnysideupDale, it does sound like we have nearly identical situations! Keep me posted if anything seems to work (or not) and I'll do the same!
Cthrash1, what is poly vi sol?

 

[birdlover]

Polyvisol are baby vitamins. If you buy some, DO NOT BUY THEM WITH IRON. So both of you have a dog chase in common. I still think they could have gotten injured internally if the dog jumped on them. Any chance you could take them to the vet?

 

[BayCityBabe]

DD & I give scrambled or boiled egg to any bird that is acting funny. It makes us feel like we are doing "something."

 

[stephys_fluffybutts]

Yogurt helps with digestive issues and the oatmeal can help make it so that the poop is not as runny.
If you give yogurt its best to use the regular, without the fruit or sugar. The fruit might make her get diarea. And with whatever she has, she needs to get as much nutrients as she can rather then losing it.

Medicated feed is the best way to go.
I hope she gets better for you

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[SunnysideupDale]

Sadly, my sick hen didn't make it. Not sure what happened to her, but it was too much for her to take. I feel awful for her.

 

[chickenzoo]

So sorry for your girl..

 

[stephys_fluffybutts]

I have a very sick girl as well. I am honestly hopeing she dies soon. She has suffered enough.
She has that thing where her bowels are hangeing out her back end. I have tried everything.....
I cant remember what its called though, but it happens to first time layers or older birds.
She just wasnt one of the lucky ones.

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