Lethargic hen, but nothing is wrong

[citykitty]

Hi there, I need some advice. I have a one year old RIR hen who is lethargic, and sounds like she's breathing a little heavy. Not wet, not really labored, but definitely a little harder than normal. Eyes, ears, and nostrils are clear, no discharge. Vent is clear, no signs of worms/lice/parasites on her or in any poop. She went outside with the flock on her own, had a nibble of some melon, but is really just standing there. Feathers are shiny, feet look good, crop was empty this morning, comb isn't pale, body temp was warm. I gave her a really thorough examination, and everything other than the lethargy and heavy breathing is normal. But could the breathing also be because she was stressed that I was holding her? She's kind of flighty. This started this morning, everyone was normal last night when I checked on them.

Do I wait and see if discharge develops? Do I treat her now, and if so with what? Do I treat the others even if they did no symptoms? Do I just monitor her? Give her egg yolk, nutridrench, Gatorade (joking)? Any advice would be appreciated, I can get to Tractor Supply today if needed.

Thanks!

 

[rebrascora]

It would be helpful to see a photo of her which shows her stance. Is she eating (check carefully because sick chickens will often pretend and just pick up and drop the same piece or peck and miss) Checking her crop at night to make sure it is full would be beneficial and then again in the morning to make sure it has emptied. You say it was empty in the morning but if she is sick and not eating, then it would be so you need to check the night before and then in the morning. A photo of her poop would also be helpful. Caging/crating her in the coop might be beneficial so that you can monitor her intake and output. Did you feel her breast bone to assess body condition. This will tell you if she is losing weight as the breast muscle is broken down by the body when it is not getting enough nutrients through the digestive tract. Feel other healthy birds to compare. Cupping your hand and feeling between her legs is another important area to assess as some ailments will cause a swollen abdomen below the vent and/or between the legs. Again compare to healthy hens for what is normal. The easiest way to check these things is to feel them at night when they are roosting. You can then do a one to the next direct comparison. Hens with swollen abdomens often also have soiled butt feathers so that is something else to check.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would offer some cooked egg, wet chick feed, and give some vitamins with electrolytes, such as ND. Has she been recently laying eggs? Do you have good ventilation from one end to the other inside your coop, or do you notice any mold or ammonia odor?

 

[citykitty]

Little stinker. Came home today and she's fine. Ran up looking for treats. No idea what was wrong this morning, even geh breathing is normal. Was just getting ready to set up the hospital creat for the night.

 

[Eggcessive]

That is good to hear. I wonder if she was having trouble laying an egg? Glad she is better.

 

[micstrachan]

Every now and then I have a hen who seems like she doesn’t feel well for a day and then recovers. It takes a tremendous amount of will power for me not to post frantically on BYC unless it’s gone on for a few days. So I can totally relate.