I said Id never bring a chicken in the house.....

[rachaelakers]

So I have ended up with a sick hen in a rabbit cage in my basement.

So... Let me give you a little history on this hen.

I got her nearly two weeks ago. And Truthfully know nothing about her. Not even her age. I know she was in a pin with too many roosters for the amount of hens so she got beat up pretty bad. So I agreed to take her home cause she looked pitiful but was healthy and still laying eggs. So she comes home.

A week passes and she starts to act like she may have an upper respiratory infection. I figured the stress of moving her probably triggered it. But I also figured she would get over it. (probably not my brightest thought)

So about a 5 days ago I noticed her laying flat out in my yard on a super hot day. I told my husband I thought she had died and I went out to investigate. By the time I got around the pool she was no longer in the grass and had ran and hid. So I went back inside. The next day I see her doing the same thing. (Note: it has been incredibly hot here in SW Ohio) So I keep checking on her throughout the day. Then I noticed that she would stand in one spot and close her eyes. About ever ten seconds she would stretch out her neck and gape her mouth. (eyes still closed)And would also just tuck her head and sleep. So that night I went out to shut up the coop and she had a runny nose and about this time I'm really starting to get concerned with my idea that she would get better on her own. The next morning I went out to open the coop and she had mucus covering one of her eyes. So I called the guy I got her from and he just said it sounds like shes got a cold. (thinking he might know more then I do because he raises chickens for a living) So I was like alright well I don't know... I'll figure something out.


Off to tractor supply I went. Also stopping at my sisters to grab a rabbit cage.

I got something called Vet-RX... Apparently this is some sort of Vick's vapor rub for chickens. So I moved her into the basement. Also bought some medicated chick feed. (hoping that would stop whatever was ailing her.) So one day of that. No change. Appears to be getting worse. Crop was completely empty. I knew she was starving.

At this point I explained to my husband that I might need to get antibiotics for her.
His response:
Rachael... Its a chicken. Just go get a new one. You could probably get 5 new hens for what it will cost to treat this one.


So feeling bad that I'm probably going to catch a lot of heck from my husband if I go out and get all the medication for this bird I call a friend of mine who is a total animal lover and rescues animals like its her job...

I told her the issues and she said she would care for her and told me to meet her out at the stable where we both have our horses and she would get some medication for her and possibly take her to the vet. So I loaded up this hen and off we went. She got her treats and all the other goodies that chickens like. Plus a vitamin supplement. Also antibiotics. So out at the barn we gave her water (antibiotics in it) with a dropper and the vitamins. And she began to perk up. Started eating meal worms and her treats. Also gave her so watermelon to help hydrate her. So after some deliberating I decided to bring her back home with me.

Last night she seemed to be in better spirits. Ate another slice of watermelon, and had eaten most of the meal worms I dumped in there and a lot of the seeds and treats. And had actually pooped.

This morning I go down there and check on her and change her water out with the antibiotics in it. And she is walking around with both of her eyes closed. (makes no sense) They are not swollen. And she can open them. Will randomly fall asleep standing up. Is doing the whole outstretched neck gaping mouth thing again and isn't drinking or eating....


I am at the end of my rope here. And I dont know what else to do.

 

[rachaelakers]

1) What type of bird , age and weight (does the chicken seem or feel lighter or thinner than the others.) Does appear to be thinner then the other two birds. I'm guessing shes about 1 or 2.


2) What is the behavior, exactly. Lethargic, sleeping standing up. Tucking head, Closing eyes and gaping mouth. Not eating or drinking. Bubbly discharge in her eyes and discharge from her nose.

3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms? Probably a week.

4) Are other birds exhibiting the same symptoms? Nope

5) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma. No

6) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation. Stress of moving to a new home.

7) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all. Chicken treats, watermelon. very little water. Meal worms.

8) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc. liquid. Green.

9) What has been the treatment you have administered so far? Duramycin-10 And a vitamin supplement. Also vet rx.

10 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet? Do it myself.

11) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.

12) Describe the housing/bedding in use. Rabbit cage. Wood shavings.

 

[Eggcessive]

She does sound like she has a respiratory infection. Be very careful treating her then being around your other chickens because it can infect your whole flock. You can transmit it on hands, clothes, shoes, feed and water containers, etc. What dose of Duramycin are you giving? If it is Duramycin!0, it should be 1/2 tablesponful per gallon of water, or 1/8 of a tablespoonful per quart--mix new water each day--treat 7-14 days. If she isn't drinking the water she won't be getting enough medication.

 

[rachaelakers]

I have a small water container in there. It is 1 liter. So I put a half teaspoon in it.