HELP!! My 6-Month Old Buttercup Hen is staggering!!

[CackleFan]

I would greatly appreciate any help or advice to aid my sick bird.
She is a buttercup hen, approximately 6 months old. She lives in an outdoor henhouse with a flock of 22 chickens, including 1 rooster. We are located in the northeast, where there has been a sudden temperature drop recently (lows in the 20F range at night). I first noticed the following symptoms today:

1. She staggers and stumbles when walking, seems tipsy and falls down when standing (not sure if she is off balance or having difficulty staying on her feet due to weakness).

2. Has her tail pointed downward.

3. Does not seem to want to drink or eat much (she normally has a healthy appetite).

I am afraid for her. Can anyone offer any advice to help her recover?
Thanks very much for any help you can offer!

-Holly

 

[ivan3]

I'd suspect that she might be eggbound but, to be on the safe side, she should be seperated from the flock (bring her in and put her in a box with food and water available low light keeps them calm). There are eggbound experts here, and a search for egg bound will turn up lots of specific info.

If you examine her and determine that this isn't the problem then other possibilities can be explored.

Good luck!

 

[CackleFan]

Thanks! I took her to the vet last night. After $300 bill, we are waiting for the lab results...She is in ICU inside the house now.

Much appreciated!
Holly