Lethargic chicken, pale comb. HELP!!

[Marisa14]

Hi everyone, my friend has a buff Sussex hen that is very lethargic and her comb is pale. Her feathers seem pale too and see looks “old” any thoughts what it could be?

 

[Eggcessive]

It would be good to know the hen’s age, if she has molted recently, and to know when the last time she laid an egg. Look her over under her vent between the legs for any tiny moving bugs—lice or mites. Is she eating and drinking normally, and what type of feed do they use?

 

[Marisa14]

It would be good to know the hen’s age, if she has molted recently, and to know when the last time she laid an egg. Look her over under her vent between the legs for any tiny moving bugs—lice or mites. Is she eating and drinking normally, and what type of feed do they use?

Her name is Buffy. She is around 2 and a half years old. She hasn’t molted since winter, so July/August sometime. Not sure exactly when she last layed an egg, but I’m pretty sure it’s been a little while. She had been checked over for lice and mites and is eating and drinking. Her poop is normal but maybe abit loose, if that helps?

 

[Eggcessive]

Because she hasn’t been laying, that is probably the reason she looks pale and has a pale comb. But I would give her 2 ml of Poultry NutriDrench or Poultry Cell daily to give her a boost. Get her drinking some fluids and offer some scrambled bits of egg and moistened chicken feed. Let us know how she is doing tomorrow.

 

[Marisa14]

Because she hasn’t been laying, that is probably the reason she looks pale and has a pale comb. But I would give her 2 ml of Poultry NutriDrench or Poultry Cell daily to give her a boost. Get her drinking some fluids and offer some scrambled bits of egg and moistened chicken feed. Let us know how she is doing tomorrow.

Ok, thanks! Does it mean anything that her feathers seem pale aswell?

 

[Eggcessive]

We really like to see pictures if you can post some. It could be winter has made her look this way, but she also could be ill.

 

[Marisa14]

We really like to see pictures if you can post some. It could be winter has made her look this way, but she also could be ill.

We are in NZ, so it is summer here. I have just been to see her, so will post some photos.

 

[Marisa14]

We are in NZ, so it is summer here. I have just been to see her, so will post some photos.

 

[Eggcessive]

She may be suffering from an internal infection or reproductive disorder, possibly even worms. It is hard to know which, but she does appear weak, and her feathers do look askew. I had recommended some vitamin electrolyte tonics available in the US, but you should be able to locate something similar there. If possible, take in some fresh droppings to a vet for a fecal test.

 

[JoH]

I'm in Australia...also summer here! I just went through this in December albeit with an older bird than yours. If you've taken care of all the basics (regular worm treatment and checking for mites, obvious bloating, ect) you could try some general 'pick-me-ups' like some slightly diluted plain yoghurt (mine gag on the really thick stuff as they tend to bury their faces in the yoghurt, they love it so much), or a calcium and magnesium supplement (I dissolve these in water and mix with crumble very so often).


Do you have Amprolium 200? A very talented chicken woman put me onto the idea of treating for coccidiosis ( https://www.backyardchickencoops.co...ickens-prevention-symptoms-and-treatment-tips ) when in doubt, especially after a long wet spell. Over the years I've had a couple of girls bounce right back even without other obvious signs of coccidiosis. Water is really hard to keep completely untainted in summer, so treating with Amprolium might be an idea.

Lastly, you can try a bit of aloe juice and a tiny smidge of apple cider vinegar in their water, not enough to put them off, though.

Good luck! I hope she's better soon.