Lethargic hen, falling over when walking... Any ideas??

[BY Bob]

Thanks Bob!

Anything to help. You know me.

 

[micstrachan]

@WhoDatChick, she needs to examine the hen. A few things:

• Crop function - full before roost and empty first thing in the morning
• Is there still a good amount of breast muscle or is the keel bone protruding?
• Laying status?
• Molting status? My hen nearly starved herself to death during molt last year. A few nights indoors with heat and baby bird formula got her through it.
• Poop status?
• Comb color
• Clean vent?
• Check the abdomen (fluffy butt area) for swelling/bloating.
• Can she have a fecal float done at a vet?
• Any external parasites? Check under wings and around vent.
• Any nasal or eye discharge?
• Any foul odor? If so, where?

It could really be anything without more info, but first, she should bring her inside for warmth. Try to get her to drink. My emergency go-to food is baby bird formula, but egg is packed with nutrients, too.

Please keep us posted!

 

[Kris5902]

I second all of Bob and Micstrachan’s advice. Do you know what breed the hen is? It could also be age related or one of those mostly incurable internal issues that seem to be so common in the higher production hens.

 

[WhoDatChick]

@WhoDatChick, she needs to examine the hen. A few things:

• Crop function - fully before roost and empty girst thing in the morning
• Is there still a good amount of breast muscle or is the keel bone protruding?
• Laying status?
• Molting status? My hen nearly starved herself to death during molt last year. A few nights indoors with heat and baby bird formula got her through it.
• Poop status?
• Comb color
• Clean vent?
• Check the abdomen (fluffy butt area) for swelling/bloating.
• Can she have a fecal float done at a vet?
• Any external parasites? Check under wings and around vent.
• Any nasal or eye discharge?
• Any foul odor? If so, where?

It could really be anything without more info, but first, she should bring her inside for warmth. Try to grt her to drink. My emergency go-to food is baby bird formula, but egg is packed with nutrients, too.

Please keep us posted!

Thank you! I sent this to her... I haven’t heard from her today..

 

[WhoDatChick]

I second all of Bob and Micstrachan’s advice. Do you know what breed the hen is? It could also be age related or one of those mostly incurable internal issues that seem to be so common in the higher production hens.

Thank you! I think she is a lavender Orpington....

 

[jus10inla]

Too much bourbon street lol