Help--if my buff was human, I would know what to do, but.....

[64Coop-DeVille]

5 month old Buff Orpington hen, not yet laying, kept with about 20 others. Have room to roam in an enclosed yard that is covered. Up to now, all have been healthy and happy. This morning found her in one corner of the yard, head and wings drooping. She allowed me to pick her up without any problem, which is not normal for any of them. Her eyes are alert, although she does not seem to be eating or drinking. Changed from medicated chick starter to lay granules about a week ago. also feed them various greens from the yard and kitchen scraps (Carrot peelings and such) Any suggestions or advice are appreciated. This has me worried and I don't know what to do or where to go from here? Does she need to be separated from the rest? and if so, then what?

THANK YOU!!! I tried to put in as much info as I could. If more is needed, please advise.

 

[hinkjc]

Can she pull her head upright by herself and does she pull her wings in to her body at all?

How long have you had the layer ration? Is it fresh..date on bag?

Jody

 

[64Coop-DeVille]

she raises her head up to horizontal when I approach, but not above that. her wings will raise, and she does ruffle her feathers occasionally.

The manufacture date on the lay granules is May 20. I got it about 4 weeks ago from the company that produces it (local producer here in Albuquerque)

 

[hinkjc]

Start there...get a new bag of feed. My bags are dated July and were just purchased the other day - sounds like yours may be getting too old, which opens risk to mold, bugs, etc.

Weakness in the neck and wings is sometimes a sign of botulism. If she is still lifting, you may have a chance of recovery with fresh feed. If she continues to go downhill, you will probably have to do a molasses flush to get it out of her system quickly.

Edited to add - keep an eye on her stools. If you see signs of blood, you may have something else going on.

Jody

 

[64Coop-DeVille]

I am willing to try anything! Can you please tell me about the molasses flush you mentioned?

 

[64Coop-DeVille]

Thank You! Thank You! The molasses flush was a success! She seems fine today.

I would like to apologize though. After I calmed down a bit, I read the posting guide lines and realized I did not follow them when I typed in the title of my post. Sorry. It won't happen again.

 

[sammi]

could she have been overcome by heat?
it's a good idea to have electrolytes on hand.

I'd be careful about kitchen peelings..no raw potato peelings.. (IMO)..and don't leave kitchen scraps out in the heat too long.
keep an eye on her crop..
don't pull grass or weeds from the yard...if the strands are long they can cause crop problems.