imobile chicken

[courtney426]

My hen is a buff orpington. I have no idea how old she is or how much she weighs. This morning I went to feed my flock and saw her in the coop not moving. Her comb is floppy so we think she is dehydrated. She eats cracked corn/pellets and drinks water but she is barely eating or drinking. Her poop is runny with green streaks. She is isolated in her own coop that has hay bedding. I would like to find a way to help her myself but I would be willing to take her to the vet if needed. I am looking for some insight on what might be wrong and what I should do.

 

[courtney426]

Please help! She died this morning and I would like to know what was wrong so I can prevent the other Hens from getting sick!

 

[Nambroth]

Oh no! I'm so sorry for your loss. Where do you live? Do you still have your poor hen? Many states, if you are in the US, have poultry extensions or state vets that can do a necropsy for you and tell you why she died. This would give you the best answers. If you still have her, and I know this sounds rough, but wrap her in a bag like a plastic grocery bag and place her in your fridge until you can make arrangements to have her tested.

 

[Nambroth]

Here is how to send a chicken for a necropsy:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-send-a-bird-for-a-necropsy-pictures.799747/

Here is a list of state vets/departments that might be able to test for you:
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

Some avian veterinarians can also perform this service for you, but it will probably be more expensive and it might be hard to find an avian vet in your area (but is worth a look if you are considering this option).

If you can't send for necropsy, you can consider doing one yourself at home. It will not be the same as an expert doing it, but there are a few things that you can look for, yourself. If you have the stomach for it! Some people here on BYC can help you, and there are a few basic guides out there.
WARNING, GRAPHIC PHOTOS OF DECEASED CHICKEN NECROPSY
http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-to-perform-necropsy-autopsy-on.html
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/livestock-biosecurity/chicken-necropsy-guide

 

[courtney426]

Oh no! I'm so sorry for your loss. Where do you live? Do you still have your poor hen? Many states, if you are in the US, have poultry extensions or state vets that can do a necropsy for you and tell you why she died. This would give you the best answers. If you still have her, and I know this sounds rough, but wrap her in a bag like a plastic grocery bag and place her in your fridge until you can make arrangements to have her tested.

Thank you! We are in Tennessee. I still have her, my husband put her in a box to bury her later Does that cost anything? I'm a first time chicken momma so I have no clue how to handle this!

 

[courtney426]

Here is how to send a chicken for a necropsy:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-send-a-bird-for-a-necropsy-pictures.799747/

Here is a list of state vets/departments that might be able to test for you:
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

Some avian veterinarians can also perform this service for you, but it will probably be more expensive and it might be hard to find an avian vet in your area (but is worth a look if you are considering this option).

If you can't send for necropsy, you can consider doing one yourself at home. It will not be the same as an expert doing it, but there are a few things that you can look for, yourself. If you have the stomach for it! Some people here on BYC can help you, and there are a few basic guides out there.
WARNING, GRAPHIC PHOTOS OF DECEASED CHICKEN NECROPSY
http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-to-perform-necropsy-autopsy-on.html
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/livestock-biosecurity/chicken-necropsy-guide

Okay! I'll check these out! Thank you so much!

 

[Nambroth]

Thank you! We are in Tennessee. I still have her, my husband put her in a box to bury her later Does that cost anything? I'm a first time chicken momma so I have no clue how to handle this!

I don't know what services you have available in TN... you will probably need to do some research or call around today to find out, unless we have someone from TN in the forum that can guide you! Some states do it for low or no cost, and some charge. It totally depends on the services of your individual state/area. Good luck!! Just don't freeze her or let her sit at room temperature if you want her tested. Refrigeration is best.

 

[courtney426]

I don't know what services you have available in TN... you will probably need to do some research or call around today to find out, unless we have someone from TN in the forum that can guide you! Some states do it for low or no cost, and some charge. It totally depends on the services of your individual state/area. Good luck!! Just don't freeze her or let her sit at room temperature if you want her tested. Refrigeration is best.

University of Martin does it! It's an hour drive so I'm about to head that way! I appreciate the advice!

 

[Nambroth]

University of Martin does it! It's an hour drive so I'm about to head that way! I appreciate the advice!

Good luck, I hope you find some answers. I'm so sorry for your loss!

 

[courtney426]

Good luck, I hope you find some answers. I'm so sorry for your loss!

Thank you! They said I would get the results in 10 to 15 days so I hope it's not something catchable because my other ones will be dead by then as fast as my hen went.