Help! Something is wrong with one of my chickens!

[kart_chicks]

Is it possible that someone could help me? I have a chicken who has been acting very strange lately. I noticed it last night when I took her out the coop so she could have some corn privately. When I went to put her back in, I put her down but she didn't really support herself. She kinda just let herself fall. Now she keeps her head by her stomach and staysi in one of the nesting boxs. She seems to be eating fine and her poop is okay. Her feathers are also very ruffled compared to the others. I am very worried. Can someone please help? (Also we haven't gotten eggs from any of the chickens in 2 months and don't know why.) Any ideas?

 

[Laskaland]

Hi!
She could be molting? Although the egg thing and lack of balance is odd. How is she acting today? Is she the only hen?
Christina

 

[kart_chicks]

Well, I have her and two other hens(no roosters, they're to much noise). I went to check on them this morning and there she was sitting standing in the corner of the nesting box, head toward her stomach. I don't know if she is moulting because she has been looking ruffled for awhile. When I lift her up I can feel her spine jabbing out. She isn't the plumpest(she is accually kinda skinny compared to the others) but she seems healthy. She has also been very quiet lately.

 

[MakNat]

Check her for mites. I had one acting the same way. Do to my stupidity the poor bird was eated alive. Now I'm dusting them all twice a month.

 

[kart_chicks]

Thanks!!

You may laugh but what are mites, what do they look like, and what do you mean by dusting? If one has mites does that mean the others will have mites also?

 

[MakNat]

Just think of fleas on dogs. EeeWww.... Mites are tiny little bugs that live on our chickens. You can see them by looking between the feathers at the skin. They are VERY tiny. A few are exceptable, but they can get eaten up. Yes, usually if one has them they all will. You know when you see your chicks wallowing around in the dirt?? They are dusting themselves!!

 

[momofdrew]

put DE in their bedding and that will help keeping the mites down...check her feet and legs you usually can see the critters there...use the DE to dust them like you would a baby with powder if she really is infested...dont get it in her eyes...

 

[kart_chicks]

Thanks!!

Will do. One thing though, what is DE and where can you get it?

 

[BlueMoon]

Whoa! In the meantime, try to get her weight back on. This is winter and not the time of year to be skinny. Get her some protein - egg yolks, ground meat, yogurt.

When I read your description, I thought of internal laying. Has her stomach distended? With only three birds, are they warm enough?

 

[UrbanChickenMama]

What about her crop? Is it too full? The weakness thing makes me think there is something beyond molting going on.

Definitely check for mites.

If you don't already, you can start putting Apply Cider Vinegar in her water (2 tbs per 1 gallon). People drink it too - it helps to alter the acidity of your body and make you a less likely host to bacteria.

Start putting garlic in with her treats, this will also help her to fight off whatever is going on.

I hope she pulls through for you!