After researching her symptoms, I have concluded that my hen has botulism. She is still holding her head up so I am hopeful that we can still help her. Does anyone have any suggestions for remedies?
Here's a current post going on. Lots of useful info. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=434192 Hope it helps. Good luck with your bird. ETA- Post #2 From ArtsyRobin.
Has she been exposed to fungi that may have caused the botulism? I know that it's hard to tell what they've been eating but generally animals avoid eating things that aren't good for them. There have been a few cases, including one of my hens, of a Vitamin D deficiency that can cause similar symptoms of botulism. In my case, my hen was staggering, walking sideways and crouching continually. On a recommendation from a BYC member, I broke open a capsule of Vit. D and E and put a couple of drops in their food, which had been wet down to porridge consistency, and mixed it well. Within a couple of days she was a little better and all symptoms were gone within a week. I now do this for them once a week because we've been really cloudy this winter. You might also put vitamins and electrolytes into their water. Good luck, Mary
