How to diagnose a lethargic Hen

[ccchicken]

One of my girls is very lethargic right now and I wanted to know what I need to look for to diagnose her properly. I know it's not heat, since its been foggy here lately. What do I need to look for and what steps do I take to get her feeling ok again?

Any input would be appreciated.

thank you!

 

[thebritt]

My last lethargic hen was eggbound. I discovered this after feeding the probiotic mash recipe found on page 12 of this section under "Frizzle not well..." I added 1 drained fish oil capsule to the mash as well. I fed it at nite, and in the morning there was a dried egg blob. She has recovered quite well since. Hope that helps.

 

[spook]

Have you de-wormed her? I had a hen that went dumpy and she had pneumonia from one thing that was quietly going on but when I told a poultry guy that, he said she had worms. Surprised I said in the necropsy, yes, she did have a worm- 1 worm found. He told me that sometimes that can do it.
Keep an eye on her and find dlunicorn, or search on lethargic bird. Maybe in the mean time it can help.
The 2nd bird that was lethargic had laid a internal egg. There isn't much to do for that. Lets hope someone can help you!!

 

[threehorses]

If you could please answer the questions in the second sticky of this forum, but answer the questions in this thread, it'll help us have a more clear picture of her history and the flock history. That will enable us to help you more accurately.

There are so many things that cause lethargy in chickens.

First thing I would recommend is to do a thorough checkover of her at night. Night time because mites sometimes don't feed until the night and you're apt to only catch them then except in very bad infestations.

Check several things thoroughly and please report your findings to us:

Parasites: Check her body carefully - all feathers, fluff, skin, feather shafts, etc for parasites. Ruffle through her feathers over a white sheet.

Weight: Check her keel, breast bone, and how much meat is on each side of it. Is she thin there?

Abdomen: gently palpate her abdomen between her legs and back towards her vent. Very very delicately. Do you feel excessive mushiness or lumpiness?

And by the way, foggy means that the heat feels about 15 degrees more hot than it is - that's how humidity works, so don't discount it yet. BUt let's rule out other things.

Have you been worming her?