Hen waddles like a DUCK, sick? What can i do?!?

[Farmer John]

OK, One of my egg layers is sick, or something. She's a full size americuna(sp?).

I have very clean and healthy hens, however this morning one is walking around w/ her tail tucked down around her legs... she waddles around like a duck. She's standing more upright then normal. She kinda stretches her wings for balance. What's wrong with my hen? Is she egg bound, does she have merricks? My other (40 some odd) hens seem normal. The hen in question was fine last night, and noticeably obvious this morning. I'm pretty sure she's one of the birds that lays LARGER then avg. eggs... double yokers occasionally. I've never had a bird with an egg stuck in it. The local vet wants $50 before I even see anyone. I'm trying to find out the best most compassionate care I can give my messed up hen while still making sure the others are safe. Any wisdom or words to the wise would be greatly appreciated.

This hen is NOT a PET, she's livestock. That being said, what's the best care I can give her?

If a picture might help, just say the word. Thanks guys.

 

[sred98]

Sounds eggbound. Do a search on here, there was a poster recently who had this trouble. I believe they soaked in a warm tub and it helped.

Pictures are always good. Any other symptoms?

Shelly

 

[Farmer John]

Darnet. I think that might just be the case. I just got off the phone with a gentleman from http://www.randallburkey.com/ who was the most helpful person EVER. Seems like we kinda ruled out the couple diseases that might cause a hen to behave this way. No runny nose, no bloody or wormy poop.. The only thing she's known for is laying VERY LARGE eggs.. Looks like she might have already layed her last double yoker

I could put her in a bath of some warm water,

, but I don't know.. I don't want to toucher the poor thing right before then end, but I DO appreciate the suggestion.

We'll see.... my fingers are crossed.

 

[keljonma]

Farmer John, we had a SLW hen that was having trouble laying an egg. We tried the warm water soak and she HATED it! Instead of upseting her more, we improvised a nest in our laundry/mud room, which we use an brooder/infirmary for our flock.

I made the nest by layering
a towel
a heating pad set on low
another towel
a circle made of a pair of blue jeans
a towel to cover the jeans
straw and hay to cover the towel

We put the hen on the nest and after a couple of hours or so, she laid a very large egg, which was a triple yolker.


Maybe this would work for your hen?


Here is a picture of our hen on the improvised nest.....

 

[seminolewind]

Quote:
I don't understand what you mean by this:

I don't want to toucher the poor thing right before then end, but I DO appreciate the suggestion.


Are you saying you don't want to touch her? If so, it doesn't matter whether she is livestock or a pet. She is a life, and she is in trouble. Please follow others' instructions.

 

[ChooksinIowa]

I think he's saying he doesn't want to torture her. Spelling boo-boos caused in the heat of the moment no doubt. Toucher = torture.

 

[ashyannehand]

Good luck and please let us know what happens!
We are keeping our fingers crossed!

 

[sred98]

I think it depends on how upset she is by you handling her. Some people on here have said their chickens don't appreciate a warm soak, while others have said that the chickens seemed to immediately relax, and the egg was passed. It wouldn't hurt to try it. It is supposed to be fairly warm water, but not scalding. If it keeps you from culling a decent layer, and saves $50 for a vet bill, it would definitely be something to try. Otherwise, shut her away from everyone else in a dark crate and see what happens. Good Luck.

Shelly

 

[seminolewind]

Quote:
I don't understand what you mean by this:

I don't want to toucher the poor thing right before then end, but I DO appreciate the suggestion.


Are you saying you don't want to touch her? If so, it doesn't matter whether she is livestock or a pet. She is a life, and she is in trouble. Please follow others' instructions.

Sorry, I asked because I didn't want to misunderstand what Farmer asked.

 

[Farmer John]

UPDATE

BIRD LIVED. Took her a couple days... and she got worse before she got better... but she figured it out. She was able to move herself around when she wanted to just fine but was staying still most of the time. She was able to eat and drink and get in and out of the coop on her own. I was prepared for the worst though. Thanks for all the help.