HELP! SICK CHICKEN!

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm chicken sitting for some friends and one of their chickens has been acting very lethargic. She lays around and doesn't move all day, not even to eat or drink. When we came to check in on her she had her head laying down on the ground and was on her side in a corner. I gave her some nutridrench with a syringe and put a bowl beside her. Is there anything I could do to help her?

Can you please post photos of the hen and her poop?
When was her last egg? Can you feel for an egg?
I'd work on hydration. If she's not laid an egg, then I'd get extra calcium into her.
You can use TUMS in a pinch or if you have Calcium Citrate with D3 that would be better.

These should not be given together, one reduces B3 (for coccidiosis, not parasites), the other has B3. They cancel each other out.
Just give the electrolytes next time.

In the photo you are referring to, there's Cocciprol (Amoprolim) and Vetsense Avi-Lyte.

Amprolium is a synthetic B1 (THIAMINE) analog that helps starve Coccidia.

B3 as you have mentioned = NIACIN. Totally different B vitamin.


Avi-Lyte is Electrolytes and does not contain any vitamins. Technically it **could** be added to the medicated water with the Amprolium, but it's best that Amprolium is the only thing in the water during course of treatment.

She may have parasites. I had a lethaged chicken and I gave these, did for about 4-5 days 3 times a day and she is brand new now.

 

[EChicky]

I went over and gave her more nutridrench today. Here are some pictures. I felt for an egg but can't really tell. She has a very swollen abdomen.

 

[Eggcessive]

Her comb looks very cyanotic or dark, which can be a sign that she is not getting enough oxygen to her heart. Can you see if she will drink for you, if you sit a small cup or container of water in front of her? Are the chickens doing what they usually do (going outside, free ranging) when the owner is home? Her tail being down may mean that she is sick or suffering from a reproductive problem. She has some poop under her vent feathers which could attract flies to lay maggot eggs. Try to remove any of it. Have a look at her belly between her legs for any enlargement or tiny bugs (lice or mites) running around on the skin. Wet chicken feed (just a little) in a small bowl can get more fluids into her. Scrambled egg is usually a good temptation to eat.

 

[EChicky]

her crop also feels squishy. Is that a sign of anything?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'd re-check her crop first thing in the morning before she's had anything to eat/drink, if it's still squishy then, begin addressing that symptom.

I agree with @Eggcessive that she may be having some reproductive difficulties - whether that's having a hard time passing an egg or she's got EYP, Cancer, etc. it's hard to know.
I'd get some Calcium into her, see that she's able to get to water especially and see if she will take a bit of wet mushy feed.

Since she's your friend's hen and you're caring for her while they are away, it would be a very good idea to let them know she's not well and see if they have suggestions or if they are even o.k. with you treating her.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

 

[EChicky]

We tried treating her but she passed away a few hours ago RIP Dolly

 

[Wyorp Rock]

We tried treating her but she passed away a few hours ago RIP Dolly

I'm sorry to hear about Dolly

 

[geno 9129]

BE VERY CARE FUL USING TO MUCH OF THAT NUTRIDRENCH I USED IT AND BOTH HENS WAS DEAD THE THE NEXT DAY, BUT IPOURED IT DIRECT DOWN THE THROAT ,STUPID ME