Hen is in a bad way. Need advice PLEASE.

[Chickie Momma]

My immature non laying 9 month old RIR hen was found laying on her side in a pile of her poo. She couldn't stand at all and tipped head down immediately. Today she can stand but walking like a drunken sailor then falls over on her side. She eats like a trooper. Her poo seems normal. I did find mites around her tail. She is sleepy and I have to give her water. I am giving her feed with egg oatmeal and yogurt. I wormed her in the water. She has full head and neck control. Is very chatty and more determined to walk today than yesterday. What is wrong with my girl? What can I do for her?

 

[foreverlearning]

The mites are taking too much out of her. Normally I would suggest a bath before treatment but it sounds like she is too weak for it right now. Dust her with poultry dust or sevin 5% and put her in a new clean separate area. Add vitamins to the water. When she starts acting normal again bathe her and try to get the dead mites and any eggs you can off of her. Make sure you hold her in a towel for 15 min to get as much water out of her feathers as possible then blow dry on low. 7 days after the first dusting you want to dust her again for any eggs that might have hatched. Make sure you treat and clean the coop as well as treat the other birds because if one has it likely they all have it. Keep her warm, they use a lot of energy trying to stay warm and she doesn't have much right now.

 

[Chickie Momma]

Would Diatomaceous Earth be ok to treat her? Can I use baby vitamins or should I get other?

 

[Chickie Momma]

Can I wash her with flea shampoo?

 

[Michael Apple]

It could be weakness due to anemia. Improper diet, coccidiosis, intestinal parasites, and external parasites can all cause that problem. Botulism or vitamin E deficiency can make birds lame and unbalanced. Your statement of her recovering is a positive sign. She could have ingested some type of toxin. You mentioned using a dewormer in the water. If it was piperzine (Wazine), that only eliminates round worms, and not as effectively as some other wormers. From day 1 to 9 months is the most vulnerable time for a chicken. Have you treated for coccidiosis at all in these first 9 months? If so was it in starter feed? And if it was, did you ever treat after they were taken off the medicated feed?

Dust the bird with Sevin or use a few spritzes of permethrin spray to get rid of mites. Focus around the vent and check along the rest of the bird's body, parting the feathers as you examine the skin for mites/lice.

 

[foreverlearning]

DE is a great preventive but not good as a treatment. I have never used flea shampoo but from what I have read you can. Everyone advises not to get it in their eyes. Sorry, I have no clue on baby vitamins.

 

[Michael Apple]

The best vitmins you could give would be those formulated and labeled for poultry. Here's an example:
http://www.asp-inc.com/products/documents/prodinfo/a/aviansp.pdf
Dosage is 1/4 tsp per gallon of water.

 

[Chickie Momma]

Micael your link didnt work!

 

[Chickie Momma]

She isnt doing very well. Very sleepy. How do I get her more fluids??

 

[foreverlearning]

syringe and small amounts at a time