Lethargic and listless hen

[cavechick]

So, we've had these 5 hens for a little over a year. Rescued from a breeding farm. A couple months ago one of our black laced Wy... just became very lethargic, finally couldn't hardly move. It was so sad, we put her down. Now our Buff is acting and looking the same way. We have her by herself but she's just losing weight, looks all droopy and her back end is pretty yucky looking. I don't know what it is or what to do for her. I need advice-

 

[Dora'smom]

Does she have whitish, discharge on her feathers below her vent? You might use the search feature here to check out vent gleet. I don't know if that is what your birds have, as there is so little info in your post to go on.

 

[cavechick]

Yes, it is rather white-ish. Sorry I'm so vague. I'm kind of new at this. And thanks for any help you can give-

 

[Morgan7782]

1) What type of bird , age and weight.
2) What is the behavior, exactly.
3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms?
4) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma.
5) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation.
6) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all.
7) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc.
8) What has been the treatment you have administered so far?
9 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet?
10) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.
11) Describe the housing/bedding in use

Forgot to fill this out BTW. Might help aid some advice

 

[farmerfran]

I had a hen with similar symptoms a few months ago, and never figured out exactly what had caused her decline, but I was able to get her well. Clean her up so you can see what goes on in the back end from now on. This will help you figure out how bad she is doing. If you see any green in her output you need to act fast b/c she will not last long. I was very diligent about getting food and liquid in mine. I made a mix of scrambled egg with whatever else I thought would be a good additive....echinacea, grits, fruit... and gave it to her. Then I found any bugs from the yard to give her...worms, grubs, beetles. She gobbled them up, as many as I would bring. I also gave her fluids with a dropper to be sure she was getting it in. If you do not have much yard space you can buy mealworms from any pet store that sells items for birds. They love them! If your is like mine, she just is not able to get food on her own. You have to feed her or she will die. I did this for a number of days and kept a close eye on her. She started to move around more and was finally strong enough to get back with the flock! I hope you succeed!!

 

[cavechick]

Thanks all. I'll do my best.

 

[seminolewind]

Do you think it might have to do with the heat?