Lethargic chicken...what's wrong????

CKC Coop

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Hello, I have an almost 3 year old Buff Orpington hen that has been moving slowly for probably 3 weeks now. She looks a bit pale, walks slowly, hasn't laid an egg, and has really dark sticky poop that has to be cleaned off her back end. It looks normal on the poop chart...no visible worms either, it has just been really dark and smelly for 3 weeks. I removed her from the flock to keep an eye on her. Put some electrolytes in her water and offered her some special treats. One day she may eat grapes like she loves them and the next she won't touch them. It's the same with most of her usual favorites. She barely eats and drinks at all. The only time she bothers with it is when I let her free range in the back yard. She will slowly scratch and forage and eat bugs and worms.
The other day when I let her out she wandered to the front and joined up with the flock. I let her hang out for a bit, but I was concerned about her spreading whatever it is she may have. Each time I let her out now, she makes her way back to her flock. Other sick chickens we've cared for haven't tried doing this, but this one seems so depressed when she isn't with the others and I feel like it is the only time she even bothers eating. She's losing weight of course and I just don't know what else to do for her. If I knew she wasn't contagious I think she might recover quicker with her flock, as she seems depressed to be away from them. Are there any thoughts or suggestions as to what might be wrong with her. By the way, she is not breathing differently, she has no spots on her comb, no watery discharge in her eyes or beak. She seems weak and very tired, but does move around with the others and tends to try really hard to keep up the pace, but I know it is just for show as chickens will try to mask sickness. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!!!
 
Poor chickie! How is she walking? like a chicken or a penguin? With her not laying an egg for a while I'm concerned about internal laying which would give her a serious infection, but she would not be contagious. Having said that, 3 years and she is likely coming to the end of 'regular' laying.
Unless you have access to a vet, keep doing what you can - treats, vitamin/electrolyte water. She may turn around by herself, fingers x'd. Please keep us posted,
fl.gif
 
Thank you boskelli. My poor girl is getting weaker now. She was out walking around Friday, ate a few bugs, and a worm. She was moving slowly, but she was moving. Saturday morning she could not stand up. She spent most of the day with her wing out and her head tucked under it. :(. I'm certain she won't make it through the day. I wish I knew what caused this.
 
Oh, and btw, she was walking like a chicken, just in slow motion.
 
She died a bit ago.:( At least she's not suffering anymore.
 

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