Ill chicken-shaking head sometimes, sounds a little wheezy, mostly urine only output

[bmetz]

Hi all. I have an ISA Brown- almost 3 years old who I originally thought might have a prolapsed vent from how she was acting. She was roosting on floor of coop-first night thought maybe she had straggled in too late and didn't get up when she had enough light left. I have brought her in- no prolapsed vent. When I went out to bring her inside- she was out of the coop but not moving too much-she did stumble kind of once- she did not fuss when I picked her up so I know she is pretty weak/not feeling well. Stands kind of ruffled up/tail down like my one who had a prolapse before(figured maybe the same before looked at her). She is having mostly urine/waste with not much substance to it. Has improved some since I brought her in and got her to eat a little. She didn't have a whole lot of symptoms at first other than seeming weak and the waste not being solid. Now she is shaking her head sometimes off and on. Not eating a lot. Sounds like she is a little wheezy also. No discharge from eyes etc- seems extra tired. Has perked up some since being inside but does not have normal energy level for sure. Any thoughts on things to try? I have put ointment on her vent/below her vent as she is getting irritation there from having liquid waste most of the time. I know that won't solve anything but it helps with comfort at least. Could it just be a "cold"? I have some Baytril- should I try that? Or should I worry about maybe needing wormed or something wrong with her crop etc? I don't have any experience checking their crop etc. Thank you for any advice!!

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds like she may have a reproductive infection or disease, which is common in hens over 2. Feel of her lower belly between her legs for any enlargement, spongy or tight. Ascites or water belly may cause labored breathing. Pictures of droppings are welcome. How does her crop feel—empty and flat, full, hard, doughy, or puffy? It should feel empty in the morning before eating or drinking. A slow or sour crop may cause crop contents to come back up into the back of the throat. What is she eating?

 

[bmetz]

It sounds like she may have a reproductive infection or disease, which is common in hens over 2. Feel of her lower belly between her legs for any enlargement, spongy or tight. Ascites or water belly may cause labored breathing. Pictures of droppings are welcome. How does her crop feel—empty and flat, full, hard, doughy, or puffy? It should feel empty in the morning before eating or drinking. A slow or sour crop may cause crop contents to come back up into the back of the throat. What is she eating?

I was afraid of that since I have read that hens that are very productive layers have more issues as they get older. Is it all hens or just the ones who lay more than most others? I feel terrible for her. I will feel her when I get home but I would say she feels normal in front but would probably say puffy in back- seemed puffy around vent area anyways but haven't always felt them there if no issues so will feel in the stomach/belly area better tonight. I will see if I can get some pictures of the droppings. It is mostly just whitish liquid as far as droppings-when got her to eat some layer crumbles and a bit of bread to coax her into eating something- she had a little substance to it and looked somewhat normal. I gave her a little lettuce this morning for something green to catch her eye. Not much nutrition but some hydration at least. She has been eating layer crumbles and has those available to her all day. I am not sure how to check her crop? Maybe I can find some videos online? I don't want her to suffer by any means but would like to try to help her if I can at all. Thank you!

 

[bmetz]

Her lower belly feels tight, not puffy. Pics attached of droppings. Green is lettuce from today I assume. One is dried more...and one she had just gone.

 

[Eggcessive]

When I check a crop, I run my hand down from the neck to the breastbone. It normally has some food inside during the day, and in early morning before eating and drinking, should feel empty or not there. It helps to feel other chickens’ crops who are acting normal to know what those feel like. Green droppings are usually from not eating enough. Does her tight belly seem enlarged?

 

[bmetz]

When I check a crop, I run my hand down from the neck to the breastbone. It normally has some food inside during the day, and in early morning before eating and drinking, should feel empty or not there. It helps to feel other chickens’ crops who are acting normal to know what those feel like. Green droppings are usually from not eating enough. Does her tight belly seem enlarged?

Ok thank you. Will have to see if I can feel one of the others also. I wasn't sure if could be the lettuce or not. She is not eating or drinking enough. She did eat more today when I saw her after work so maybe feeling slightly better. Don't think her stomach seems enlarged.

 

[bmetz]

Should I try the Baytril?

 

[bmetz]

So she was doing much better and was going to put her back with other chickens. Her feet were a little irritated from flat floor of crate(have newspaper etc down of course) so I soaked them in epsom salt water and applied bacitracin with her on her side for a few minutes. Today I put her on her side to quickly examine her feet and clear liquid came out of her beak.She had great energy yesterday before the soak etc. Today not as much and didn't eat her usual amount of food. Sour crop? Any thoughts? Should I try to get more fluid out?

 

[bmetz]

Well I feel like the worst person ever...put her on her side to put ointment on her feet...more fluid came out and turned her upright so she could breathe..then after she stood a second it was like she vomited(I know they can't) but a bunch of fluid came out and I am worried she aspirated.