Help Me ID Sound (Audio Included) - Hen Congestion/ Can't Walk

[Weeg]

@Weeg - Thanks for the help!



I should also mention that the chickens are able to roam around on a few acres of farmland so I assume they get food that way too (though obviously with not being able to walk this chicken would not be able to take advantage of that). I will look into the a more robust food solution though.



This morning the crop didn't appear full. With the chicken not being able to stand up it is a bit harder to tell but it doesn't/ didn't appear full.



That is something I should look into. I'm sure I'm just being naïve but I haven't noticed any bullying yet fortunately. My window looks out on their coop so I look out on her every few minutes. But I do agree at the very least so that I know how much she is eating.



I will look into this - thanks!

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This morning we put her in a small container with some hay that I think is helping her feel better. I think that without being able to use her legs she becomes a bit to front heavy and with the container she is able to lean against it a bit and be in more of her normal sitting position. She was grooming herself for the first time in a week which I assume is a good sign.

It’s good that they're able to roam, but I still highly recommend they be fed s bslced feed. Of Course you have no control over that, so I completely understand. Do you think you could pick up an all flock feed from the store for this hen at least? Maybe encourage the owner to join BYC when they get back so we can inform them if this as well?
While your there, go ahead a pick up some liquid B complex if possible. That might help with her leg issues.

That’s great! You could also make her a sling with the crate to help make her more comfortable.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She has always had sort of respirational sounds (even going years back)

It would have been at least the two weeks since she hasn't been walking.

Been feeding her a combination of field corn, and what I believe is flax seed and sunflower seeds. She seems to particularly enjoy the corn and sunflower seeds. The past few days have been feeding her oatmeal with some vitamins.

This morning the crop didn't appear full. With the chicken not being able to stand up it is a bit harder to tell but it doesn't/ didn't appear full.

I think that without being able to use her legs she becomes a bit to front heavy

I would offer her wet poultry feed, cut out the seeds.
She's "front heavy", is her crop emptying completely overnight?
If she's always had a respiratory issue but it's worse now, the either her respiratory issue is getting worse with her being immobile, she's aspirating some fluids since she's no mobile, she may have fluid in the abdomen or it could be a combination of all or just something else.

What is the owner's goals for this hen? Have you determined a timeline when you feel that have exhausted all avenues for her or is long term supportive care in the plans? Daily cleaning, checking to make sure she's staying lice/mite free, etc.

 

[ComfortSoup]

@Weeg @Wyorp Rock

Do you think you could pick up an all flock feed from the store for this hen at least?

Yes, I will go to town later today and see if I can't find some!

She's "front heavy", is her crop emptying completely overnight?

I guess to rephrase when I say front heavy I just mean that because she can't use her feet she has a tendency to sit on her breast which I don't think is especially comfortable for her.

I believe her crop is emptying overnight. Here is a picture I took after she at breakfast (I forgot to take it beforehand). As you can see we are now able to get her to sit up sort of, but it is hard for me to gauge exactly where her crop is because most of the pictures online are from them standing like they normally would.

What is the owner's goals for this hen? Have you determined a timeline when you feel that have exhausted all avenues for her or is long term supportive care in the plans? Daily cleaning, checking to make sure she's staying lice/mite free, etc.

Right now my pain fear is that the chicken is in pain without us actually realizing it. As I understand it chickens aren't exactly vocal about when they are suffering.

That being said she does seem to be in a fairly good mood - still curious, attentive, and eating a lot. She still talks (clucks?) quite a bit in a way that to me seems to express annoyance at not being able to walk more than any sort of pain.

From a human labor standpoint the only annoyance is having to clean her butt (she get's poop on her feathers due to not being able to stand).

I think we will wait another week to see how she progresses and if she doesn't improve will kill her. If a chicken hasn't been able to walk after 3-4 weeks I'm doubtful that she would be able to walk after 5 weeks and I don't think she wants to live the rest of her life immobile.

 

[Weeg]

Right now my pain fear is that the chicken is in pain without us actually realizing it. As I understand it chickens aren't exactly vocal about when they are suffering.

That being said she does seem to be in a fairly good mood - still curious, attentive, and eating a lot. She still talks (clucks?) quite a bit in a way that to me seems to express annoyance at not being able to walk more than any sort of pain.

You are correct. Chickens are very good at hiding pain, but since she is still eating, drinking, preening, talking, I think she still has a good chance if we can figure out what is going on.
If she stopped eating, then I would be getting concerned. Keep up the good work, you're doing great so far!

From a human labor standpoint the only annoyance is having to clean her butt (she get's poop on her feathers due to not being able to stand).

A annoyance for you and her I'm sure. Did you see my post about making a sling? If you cut a hole in the back, then her poop can fall through and wont get stuck to her. I think that making a sling would be a great step towards getting her comfortable, and making it much easier on you.

If she doesn't improve, then whatever choice you make for treatment at that point will be the right one. You are near her and can make a better decision than us. I do hope we can figure out what is causing the issue, I'll be following along and rooting for her.