Is she sick?

[KatefromOz]

Hi. Firstly, this is not an emergency, i just need some advice please. My black orphington hasn't laid an egg in 5 days (usually 1 every day or every other day) and I noticed yesterday she might have a runny nose. She is quick so it's hard for me to get a good look but this morning she had sugar cane mulch stuck to the top of her beak. She seems otherwise fine, eating and drinking normally (maybe drinking a little more than normal)...i also noticed this morning her feathers underneath seem 'wet' or maybe just thin and her stool yesterday didn't seem right, it was a different colour, but seems okay today. I am completely new to chickens and am really starting to stress out. Am I overreacting or could something be wrong? There havent been any environmental changes such as new chickens etc. The weather has warmed up slightly. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Parront]

Usually, if you think a bird is sick, you are right. They hide their symptoms really well. If you can separate her, and watch her, that will do no harm. Try not to change routine too much, if you have a place nearby where she can still see her flock, that is nice. With clean newspaper flooring and small separate food and water dishes like for a chick, so you can monitor her bodily functions (you know what that means, chief poop inspector). Give her a nest box like she is used to, if possible. Wait and Watch! Good luck

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Poop...that's a big clue! Warm weather, egg laying is off - more clues. Has she been wormed recently? Does she have a poopy butt? It is good that she is eating and drinking. Fluid in the nostrils could be from regurgitating water. I would find a vet or lab that can do a fecal float test for you. Also, check the stools for tapeworm segments. Its one parasite that will be visible to you. Gross but common in chickens especially when the weather warms up. Go with your gut, you know when something isn't right.