Hen Currently Dying, How to Help?

[Rnkjones]

Whats the best way to give her the water if she won’t drink on her own? I don’t want to choke her. @azygous

 

[BigBlueHen53]

What did that worm look like? Are you sure it wasn't a maggot? (Fly larva)

 

[azygous]

Tubing it into her crop is the safest method, but you can safely syringe it in if you do it correctly. It just takes forever with a syringe while tubing takes less than a minute. Look at this photo of a chicken being given fluids with a syringe. Insert it on the right side of the beak, sliding slightly under the edge of the tongue and that directs it into the esophagus.

 

[Rnkjones]

What did that worm look like? Are you sure it wasn't a maggot? (Fly larva)

Yes it was probably fly larvae.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes it was probably fly larvae.

You need to get all those picked off of her. She may have a wound, examine her thoroughly and deeply. Clip feathers if you need to. A foul smell could indicate necrotic (dying) tissue.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Wear gloves.

 

[Rnkjones]

Thanks to everyone, I would have never thought of these things. I will keep you updated.

 

[BuckarooBonzai]

So sorry about your girl. You're kind to be so comforting & gentle with her. Fly strike, if that's what it is, can sometimes seem to come on out of nowhere. Wishing you both the best.

 

[Rnkjones]

She hasn’t improved as of yet. She is holding her tail up, which is confusing, but still not opening her eyes and is refusing to swallow now. I attempted to insert the syringe as shown in the photo but her esophagus is so far down I dont feel confident to get it in the correct spot.

 

[azygous]

I doubt there is anything more you can do for this hen. Once a chicken stops eating and drinking and lies down with their eyes shut, death is usually within 24 hours.

I just had one of these a week ago. It never gets any easier.