HELP!!! SICH HEN

[tylgar6601]

We found my sons 4 year old black sexlink hen setting in her coop this evening very lethargic and seems to be unable to walk. She is drunk acting (no other way to describe it) and seems to want to just set. Her abdomen seems very swollen and squishy. Any help would be appreciated as to what could be wrong with her. Sorry for the vague description.

 

[Nightbird1001]

Unfortunately every time one of our animals (dogs and chickens) started to act drunk they died not to long after that. And the fact that she is 4 years old means that she is probably/hopefully just dying of old age. If you want after she dies you can send her to someplace that would do tests to determine what she died of (i know personally i want to know what they died of. Helps know so if it's preventable to the rest of the flock) it's sad but unavoidable. Sorry

 

[tylgar6601]

Yes, that is what I was afraid of. She was one of my sons 4H chickens he got 4 years ago. She got hurt a few months back and seemed to be walking funny. Like her back was hurt. She walked more upright than usual. We isolated her and she got better. She still walks a bit funny, but seemed fine other than that. She will eat and drink if you hold it up to her. She just seems drunk so she doesn't walk. I was thinking old age

she is comfortable in an isolated pen. Breaks my heart to see them like this. Not to mention my boys are heartbroken.

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds like she could possibly be an internal layer, or have egg yolk peritonitis. Is she still laying eggs? They will sometimes have an upright gait, have loose droppings, may sit a lot, and have trouble walking. It is very common in high production layers.

 

[tylgar6601]

Actually she isn't laying and hasn't since we moved her after she got hurt a few weeks ago. I just thought it was because she was in a new place.

 

[Eggcessive]

Internal layers can sometimes develop ascites or fluid in their abdomen, which can cause pain and labored breathing. The abdomen may seem full or tight, and fluid can be removed occasionally to relieve those symptoms. A vet could Xray the belly to confirm the diagnosis. Some treat with antibiotics to prolong life, but the outcome can be bad.