Hen has become lethargic, and struggles to walk

[moraylass]

We have a mixed flock of 14 birds, living in a wooden coop, with dirt yard, and over the last 3 days one Silkie (probably 4+ years old) has become sluggish, and is waddling rather than walking.

She has not been laying for a few months, over the winter, so we thought she was "egg-bound", and have been treating her based on that - Epsom Salt bathing every few hours and keeping in the warm house.

We investigated her vent, but could not find any solid blockage inside.

We also noticed that she had a small egg-sized lump on the one side of her neck, and another just in front of her leg on the opposite side - but we have no evidence as to whether that is abnormal, as she has resisted handling since we had her. Any thoughts on this might help us understand the situation more.

She has been eating, possibly less than normal, drinking, and pooping normally.

The vet has not offered anything other than to continue with what we are doing (they would not investigate any further)

Is there anything else we could be doing?

Many thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

She may be laying internally or have a reproductive disorder. Cancer is also very common. I would feel inside her vent an inch with a gloved finger, just to make sure of nothing blocking her vent. Waddling can occur with the reproductive disorders, and she may lose weight and be in pain. Can you post a picture of the 2 lumps? Sometimes we cannot understand what is going on until after death when you can do a necropsy.

 

[moraylass]

Hard to get pictures showing the lumps - the top pic is the one on her right at the base of her neck, and the bottom one is underneath on her left.

I can't feel anything inside the vent (up to ~2 cm), and she is still eating, and pooping, and quiet in the cage.

If nothing else transpires would she be best back with the flock, in a separate coop, or continue the inside bathing routine?

Many thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

Have you identified her crop and made sure it is not one of the lumps? I would stop the baths after checking inside her vent for egg binding. When she has thoroughly dried, I would get her back with her flock, but watch to see that they don’t peck her too much. Many hens start going down hill around 4 years, so I would just try to make her comfortable. Separate her again if she is picked on.

 

[moraylass]

Thank you for your thoughts.

We returned her to the flock yesterday, and though she seemed brighter and was still eating and drinking this morning, this afternoon she spewed up some bile, and was promptly to be attacked by the other hens, lovely lot. She was dead when we got to her.

So, we assume it was old age. Now to discover what silkie cross she was, to see if we can get another.