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

[RileysBirds]

Hi everyone -
Sorry to have this be my introductory post, but I'm not sure what (if anything) I can do for my son's chicken, but I promised him I'd do some research while he was at school. We have a 9 month old buff brahma who is suddenly, this morning, laying down on her side, head tucked over, eyes closed most of the time, very weak/non-responsive. It looks bad, and I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas of things I can do for her. Other background - she had two compatriots who were killed by a dog about a month ago, so she has been alone since then, and has not laid an egg since (but laying was already tapered off because of winter - so we weren't sure if there was a relationship). My son says she has not eaten much recently. She is well covered (so I'm pretty confident she hasn't gotten wet). Any ideas? I feel terrible - my son was heartbroken at losing the first two, so losing this last one would be very sad for him!

Thanks in advance!

 

[birdlover]

Hi and

I'm sorry it has to be under such sad circumstances that you have come here. I really don't know what to tell you but a thought that comes to mind is that she was injured internally when the dog attacked and it's now manifesting itself. The first thing I would do is to bring her inside and put her somewhere where she can stay warm and quiet. Hopefully, somebody else more knowledgeable will come along to advise you.

 

[4 Love of Baby Chickens]

I don't what you can do for your sons chicken other than bring her inside and keep her warm. And

 

[dgeter]

I agree.. bring her in and keep her warm. Is it possible to get another chicken for a play mate?

 

[Badhbh]

Electrolytes can't hurt (at least I don't see how). Try bringing her in and putting her somewhere peaceful. Offer up something yummy like some warm oatmeal or yoghurt. I hope she perks up for you

 

[dgeter]

Oh and

!!!!

 

[chickenzoo]

Did you check to see if she is thin, when was she last wormed? Worms or mites can bring down their health pretty fast. Hope she does well for you.

 

[RileysBirds]

Thanks for the kind replies! I am at work, but am planning on running home at lunchtime - so I'll definitely bring her in somewhere cozy then. Poor thing. She has not been wormed - I didn't know I needed to do this. I'm feeling like such a bad chicken-mom.

So is worms something I should/can check for now - if so, can someone advise? I know that my son checked all the chickens for mites (when there was more than one - so a bit ago).

 

[77horses]

So sorry for you and your hen.

Like others said, bring her inside and put her in a quiet place. You can find wormers at a farmer's store or tractor supply store, online, or at the vet's office. But after you worm her, you can't eat any of her eggs for a period of time, if she's laying(should say on medication).
Good luck and I hope she gets well soon!

 

[stephys_fluffybutts]

I am just guessing. But maybe she has crooked neck.
I don't know if you have hurd of it. But its basically a lack of vitamin e. Which is why you see the neck under the body.. Try giving some electrolyes..Keep her in a set up position and make sure she eats plenty of food

does she make a weezing noise? if so then she might have phnemonia
and might require a penicilin shot.

I cant give on dosage because I am trying to learn this stuff as Im going along.

What you need to do is get her some where in the house where its warm and quiet. Try to get her to sit up, hand feeding her and watering her. Constantly laying on their sides is not normal and could cause more damage. Especially if she has phnemonia, all that liquid in her lungs makes it hard enough to breath.

I wish I could help more......

I am sorry for your loss eather way. and I hope she makes it. prayers to her