Hen fading fast- please help!

[cheirogloss]

I have a 23 wk old BSL hen who, about three days ago, started to slow down. She was roosting alone all day, sitting alone while the other birds run for treats, not scratching etc. Her poops are white/yellow and runny but not watery. Her crop is soft, but seems plump. She is just getting more and more sluggish. Her feathers are puffed up and she doesn't resist when I pick her up. She feels light and has a clear runny nose w/ no bad smell. She couldn't get onto the high roost bar last night and I had to lift her up there. All the other birds are fine.

I have her isolated, and she did drink water when I offered it to her. I am making oatmeal for her now. Update: she is also not eating and refused the oatmeal.

Does anyone have any idea what this could be? It doesn't seem to be respiratory, and I am afraid to give antibiotics without any minor clue as to what I am treating. If she slows down anymore, I am afraid she won't make it.

 

[4hooves&featheredfriends]

I am hoping that others will respond; if you have yogurt I might suggest that for probiotic value. An eye dropper or nasal plunge are a good way to deliver to the mouth, be careful to let her take it in her mouth vs forcing too much, as it could end up in the respiratory tract.

The crop might be massaged downward, feeling for any obstructions. If not overly large and malleable I would just keep an eye on it.

Isolation is very wise, without alarming you keep an eye on your flock for any symptoms.

Apple Cider Vinegar diluted in water, to cleanse out the "bugs" came across my mind - maybe someone else has a recommendation.

 

[dixiechick]

I'd also give her vitamins/electrolytes in her water. My girl got down with fowl pox a few weeks ago, and I fed her soup broth just to keep her nurished.

good luck...poor girl

 

[chickenzoo]

When was she last wormed? When you listen to her chest, does she wheeze?
If no wheezing then she may be wormy with such weight loss. Have you checked her for lice/mites? These will suck a lot of blood in some cases and make them go down hill.

First- get her eating and drinking- scramble some eggs, break into pieces and open her beak. Put it in and keep doing so till she swallows. Keep her hydrated..... Put some vitamins in water and dribble it along side her beak until she takes some. you can also put some in a syringe with a needle and inject some warm vitamins & water right under skin in her back, slowly.

Worm with some Wazine
If lice and mites, dust her with DE or Seven Dust etc.

Keep up the supportive care..... it is critical

 

[Nif]

When my hen wouldn't eat she was interested in wet chicken crumbles and she loved milk soaked bread. But I wouldn't go overboard with it. You can put a spoon of yogurt on top of the bread too. Get it good and wet with the milk.

 

[Cetawin]

yellow poo makes me think worms...that can kill her if they are bad enough. Get electrolytes in her water and get some food in her...scrambled egg, yogurt, applesauce...whatever she will eat. Look at working her asap. Use a broad spectrum wormer that covers all worms not just roundworms like the Wazine.

Good luck.

 

[chickenzoo]

If she is very ill, using a broad spectrum wormer might kill her........... that is why I suggested a less harsh wormer like Wazine first, till she gains strength.