I think one of my hens is sick

[HenGirl805]

My hen, Luna, is usually kinda shy, but we just got home from a weekend trip and I think she is sick. Her comb seems a little floppy and she isn't eating as much grass and weeds as she normally does. Suggestions? Please, I'm freaking out!

 

[Kiki]

I am sorry she isn't feeling well.
Can you post a picture of her?
How old is she?
What do you normally feed your flock?
Did she have access to both food and water while you were gone/could she possible have ran out of either?

 

[HenGirl805]

She is about 1 year 2 months, they have acess to food and water all the time and she has plenty to eat and drink. She also had plenty while I was gone. I feed them layer food, grit, oyster shell, dried meal worms, and grass/weeds.

 

[Kiki]

Go feel her crop.

Is it full?
Squishy?
Empty?
Hard?

 

[HenGirl805]

She also doesn't like to be held and usually flaps but she didn't flap at all.

 

[HenGirl805]

 

[HenGirl805]

her crop is squishy

 

[HenGirl805]

I think her crop is smaller than normal, but I'm not sure because these are my first chickens and I've never really needed to feel her crop. My fatter hen's is bigger but I think it is because she is fatter

 

[Kiki]

I am not "seeing" anything that looks off about this bird.

Is she eating her chicken made feed and drinking plain water?

I would not worry one bit about her not eating grass...that isn't necessary.


Be aware that over feeding chickens is bad.
It will cause all kind of problems down the road.
You should feed only a complete layer feed for laying hens.
If you feel the need to offer treats do so only ONCE a week, not daily.

 

[HenGirl805]

Thank you! I'll keep an eye on her. I don't usually give them meal worms BTW. I hope she is okay!