Help! My Buff Orpington hen is sick!!

[TropicalBabies]

has it rained in your area recently? Just curious because that is usually when these little monsters raise their ugly... ugliness. Vets who treat chickens are few and far so don't be discouraged. Start with corid, quick results if it is parasites. Get yourself some Safe-guard (fenbendazole) too if you do not have on hand. That way you are not running back and forth for something you want on hand anyways. Also treating for worms will not harm or affect your babies negatively in any way. Please keep us posted. We know how it feels when a baby is sick.

 

[Moragirls]

Yes we get a lot of rain here in North Carolina. It has been raining non stop here. She did well overnight. You could tell she’s anxious to be back outside but is doing well.

I don’t have corid but I will pick up during lunch time and treat her asap. Do you think I should still keep her in or is it fine if she goes back with her flock?

You have been awesome thank you for helping me. Atleast I feel more comfort that she might get better quickly.

 

[MissChick@dee]

I hope your Buff is better this morning. Good for you for being so observant.
What would I do if she were mine?
You did a good job looking into her mouth. If it was something like gape worms you would of seen them.
Speaking of worms I do not know how old your hens are but if you’ve got serious worms you’ll notice weight loss even with a good appetite. Runny poops and more often than not you’ll not see worms in the poo if you do then it’s pretty serious. You need to be sure and pick a broad spectrum wormer and do a follow up dose in 10-12 days to kill any eggs.
You mentioned it’s been raining. I think wet=mold.
Perhaps inhaling mold spurs or pecking and eating something with mold.
Inhaling mold spurs can cause respiratory issues.
Ingested mold can cause crop issues.
It’s good you’re taking her to the vet. Be sure to mention all the environment conditions.
What would I do?
I’d start by putting ACV in their water. You need to use a glass or plastic container.
Apple Cider Vinegar is corrosive and will have a reaction to metal containers. It will ruin your waterers and open them up for alge and other bacteria to grow.
I mix a shot glass (1oz) into a gallon of water OR 1tsp. Per liter. Change it daily. I’d offer it to all the girls. ACV not only effects the Ph level of the crop it has vitamins & minerals and trace elements that help the immune system. I only use ACV if I suspect respiratory problems.
I would also give her some chilled coconut oil. Mine will eat it right off my fingers. It has healing properties. It could soothe her throat and it will help with her crop.
I tend to use simple things to help the chickens boost their own immune system.
Good luck. I hope all goes well. Keep us posted.

 

[Moragirls]

Hi ladies

I have just gotten home and picked up my corid. She seems to be doing well she has drank lots of water and looks like she’s been eating well. Also the scratchy loud breathing is not as loud anymore, but I’m still worried I want to make sure she is back to 100% healthy.

I called a vet in my area and she suggested that it could be a upper respiratory infection and won’t be able to see her until Monday due to her having to many emergency calls like this ... for the mean time I will treat her with some corid in her water and keep monitoring. I guess that’s my only option.

 

[Moragirls]

I hope your Buff is better this morning. Good for you for being so observant.
What would I do if she were mine?
You did a good job looking into her mouth. If it was something like gape worms you would of seen them.
Speaking of worms I do not know how old your hens are but if you’ve got serious worms you’ll notice weight loss even with a good appetite. Runny poops and more often than not you’ll not see worms in the poo if you do then it’s pretty serious. You need to be sure and pick a broad spectrum wormer and do a follow up dose in 10-12 days to kill any eggs.
You mentioned it’s been raining. I think wet=mold.
Perhaps inhaling mold spurs or pecking and eating something with mold.
Inhaling mold spurs can cause respiratory issues.
Ingested mold can cause crop issues.
It’s good you’re taking her to the vet. Be sure to mention all the environment conditions.
What would I do?
I’d start by putting ACV in their water. You need to use a glass or plastic container.
Apple Cider Vinegar is corrosive and will have a reaction to metal containers. It will ruin your waterers and open them up for alge and other bacteria to grow.
I mix a shot glass (1oz) into a gallon of water OR 1tsp. Per liter. Change it daily. I’d offer it to all the girls. ACV not only effects the Ph level of the crop it has vitamins & minerals and trace elements that help the immune system. I only use ACV if I suspect respiratory problems.
I would also give her some chilled coconut oil. Mine will eat it right off my fingers. It has healing properties. It could soothe her throat and it will help with her crop.
I tend to use simple things to help the chickens boost their own immune system.
Good luck. I hope all goes well. Keep us posted.

Thank you for great advise ... do you think is ok to make her two sets of waters one with ACV and one with corid or should I only do one ?

 

[TropicalBabies]

Thank you for great advise ... do you think is ok to make her two sets of waters one with ACV and one with corid or should I only do one ?

Only 1. Try the corid first. You should see improvement quickly 1+ day give it two to be fair, if that is the issue you will know that you are on the right track and can finish out the 5 day regime. I like ACV. I soak craisens in it, keep them on hand in my fridge and give my girls a few for a treat.
I don't think you told us about the poop. (edit) You did. Watery poops makes me think worms/ parasites.
And how is her breathing? Is it more panting than scratchy?

 

[MissChick@dee]

No... please treat corid separate from ACV.
Are you treating with Corid?

 

[MissChick@dee]

Corid is for coccidiosis. From what’s been said about her behaviors = raspy. And her poops look semi-normal a bit runny. Her appetite is good. She’s not lethargic.
Does not sound like coccidiosis.

 

[MissChick@dee]

I would go with the AVC.
And a bit of coconut oil. (Prior post) start with the least invasive approach first. Give her a couple days treatment as see what happens.
As long as her behaviors and appetite are normal. How is her raspy voice today?

 

[MissChick@dee]

If your thinking of worming her Corid does not cure worms. How old is she again?