Hen is incredibly sick (gape worm)??

[Jochicknsaver]

Ahhh so sorry 4 the long post but itd been a few days!!

❤ more expressive and confident with my use of written word ❤

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Ms. Penny hen is still with us!! And she's looking better and better every day guys!! I've stuck with mostly her feed (not gonna lie) few treats here N there! Just along the lines of 1/2 scrambled egg with supper, and bit of sugar free Apple sauce on the side w/ breakfast, I got her a small side of crushed granite in a small dish complimentary of course with every meal, and y'all wouldn't believe the change in her poop! It looks about as great as chicken poop should and could!!

She don't lay down though, "she lays side"?? Then stretches that leg all the way out straight!! Then her lil toes open and close?? She rolls around as if she's dust bathing? After about 7 minutes she's flips to her other side? And repeats? Still no eggs?

I'm glad to hear she's doing better!

I know she has new feathers coming in on her head where she was wounded, but does she have more coming in elsewhere too? In the photos, it's hard to tell if she's molting (are you finding bunches of her feathers)?
If she is molting, then that can make her not feel well. Have you tried giving poultry vitamins for a boost? Poultry Cell would be good to give. Mine don't like it in their water but will take it as a direct dose (1cc per 3lbs of weight).

It does sound like she's "dust bathing" especially since she's switching sides. Chickens sometimes lay on their side and switch around when they sun bath too. Does she have access to some loose soil? Maybe see if she would enjoy that.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...er-construction-check-back-for-updates.73335/

 

[Jochicknsaver]

I'm glad to hear she's doing better!

I know she has new feathers coming in on her head where she was wounded, but does she have more coming in elsewhere too? In the photos, it's hard to tell if she's molting (are you finding bunches of her feathers)?
If she is molting, then that can make her not feel well. Have you tried giving poultry vitamins for a boost? Poultry Cell would be good to give. Mine don't like it in their water but will take it as a direct dose (1cc per 3lbs of weight).

It does sound like she's "dust bathing" especially since she's switching sides. Chickens sometimes lay on their side and switch around when they sun bath too. Does she have access to some loose soil? Maybe see if she would enjoy that.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...er-construction-check-back-for-updates.73335/

It's crazy you ask because I found these cpl loose feathers yesterday morning and this morning? They looked to be healthy feathers too?? Where they pulled her feathers out on her right wing and saddle have started to grow back in beautifully! If she wasn't nodding out every few mins, you'd think she's a normal egg laying 3 year old hen? Even tonite I got out a lil late to bring her in from her (hospital pen) and she was pacing back n forth ready to come in! I opened the gate n she stepped out (tripped over the lip) even Mary the (rescued Australian shepherd) stood beside me and my henny girl fluffed her wings and stood tall to Mary! She walked around a bit then stood directly in front of me as if to say (okay pick me up)! She's been a lively one tonite! I gave her a mirror and she got into a fight with it! So I took it back !! But I'm ecstatic! These are to me a show of regular chicken behaviors?? She's making huge strides! I'm really hoping, maybe she showed some form of weakness, she was attacked to be weeded out, and like you had mentioned the attack may have really hurt her not only physically but emotionally as well and she's taking time to recoup? But this whole passing out thing is what concerns me? And she's still emptying her crop normally? I check every morning now, and she poops! (a lot)? She's been eating okay and drinking well? And has begun to show interest in my lil flock of 3? Could this be just a harsh molt?? Gosh I hope so? I've become so attached, she's a good girl, and she's really become part of our perfectly imperfect family, I hope this will pass??

 

[BarredRockMom]

I am so glad that your little hen has you to care for her! I am sorry for her troubles & very happy that she seems to be on the mend. And the way you tell the story of how you peek in & watch her secretly is great. I can tell that you love her very much & she knows it too. I look forward to reading about her continued progress.