Is my chicken sick?

[abejita]

I've had my chickens for a couple of days. I noticed today that they probably have mites (I found what I think is a mite on my arm after handling the chickens) So I decided that I probably need to get together a little chicken first aid kit to have on hand. I've had a chicken that has looked a bit disheveled since I got her. She acts like all the others and is eating and drinking just fine, she is just all fluffed up. While I was researching what I need for my first aid kit, I saw that being fluffed up like that could indicate an illness.

Here is a photo of here. What do you think? Could this just be from mites or is there something else I should be concerned about?

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I would treat her for mites (was the bug you found on your arm a tiny red bug? or what did it look like?) I use either a frontline product or a poultry dust/spray you can find at any feed store. Yes, fluffed up constantly is not a good sign. I've had a few like that and then the next day they were dead...it was the only sign they gave us. None of the others had gotten sick so not sure still what it was

None for a long time though now. Good luck!

 

[Blue_Myst]

It would be a good idea to treat them right away for mites. Mites can bring a bird down very quickly, and it's important to nip this in the bud as soon as possible! The condition of the feathers seems to point to lice or mites as well.

Good luck!

 

[abejita]

I am going to treat all of them tonight.

The bug that was on my arm looked like half an eye lash, or something of that size, but it was moving.

 

[abejita]

Could I use a product like this:

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752076

All the feed stores and such are closed now.

 

[stargirl]

Im not familiar with that product, but I would say get whatever you can for now, then get something more specific when the stores are open and repeat. The petsmart one can't hurt!

 

[ScaredOfShadows]

that would work for the time being, but make sure when you go to treat the birds, clean their coop/housing as well. COMPLETELY remove all bedding, spray the walls, floor, etc with any treatment solution you are going to use (also a good idea is buy you some sevin dust and sprinkle a liberal amount mixed in with the fresh bedding)

some people actual sprinkle sevin dust on their dogs, chickens, etc when they have lice or mites. (I have done this before as well when I couldn't find anything local for mites that I could quickly obtain)

 

[Keltara]

Is it possible that she's fluffing up because she's hot? I have 3 Buff Orpingtons, but one seems to get hot quicker that the others. We will usually cool her down by misting her with the hose. She loves it.

 

[abejita]

It is 104 right now. The only thing is that she is the only one doing that and she is like that all the time.

 

[Keltara]

Quote:
I'll bet she's hot! Do something to cool her down and see if it stops. Get a tub and fill it with cool water. Put her in it and see what happens. I'll bet she'll really appreciate it. When chickens fluff out their feathers and hold out their wings, it's because they are trying to cool down. Is she panting? Buff Orpingtons are a very heavy feathered bird. It's one of the reasons they are so incredibly winter hardy. My guess is that your girl is really hot and needs your help in cooling down.