lethargic hen, not really eating or drinking

[Cali_sheep]

A while ago I noticed one of my bantams sort of waddling when she walked. I picked her up and she didn't seem to mind me. I've been observing her and she does have the ability to walk normally, but doesn't. She also seems to be leaning. She did waddle to her water, but then stopped short of drinking and just sat. I picked her up to make it easier, but she only took two sips. She's barely pecked her food. She's an indoor hen, along with her sister.

1) What type of bird , age and weight. = Japanese White Bantam, about 2 1/2 years old

2) What is the behavior, exactly. = see the paragraph above

3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms? = only today

4) Are other birds exhibiting the same symptoms? = no, if anything the other one is more active than usual

5) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma. = the waddling. It almost seems like a sprain, but touching both her legs and wings produced no effect.

6) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation. = two days ago my sister says she saw her fall about 6 inches, but she didn't show any signs of it other than being a bit freaked out. She just told me about it today

7) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all. = an organic laying food mix, and regular water. She hasn't eaten any today

8) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc. = normal

9) What has been the treatment you have administered so far? = I've put her in a confined area with food, water, and a heating lamp

10 ) 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? = money's very tight so I'd like to treat her myself, but if it's life or death I'll make a vet trip work

11) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help. = I'll try once I find my camera

12) Describe the housing/bedding in use = spends most of her time on pine shavings, the rest of the time on my carpet floor/bed

Please help guys. I love her a whole lot

 

[Willie647]

Does her abdomen seem full or swollen? Have you wormed her at all?
Give it a little while and I am sure someone will be along that knows a lot more than I do about this. We too have a house bantom. She sleeps on the back of a leather recliner,with a sheet on it and is spoiled rotten. But we love her little butt. So I understand.

 

[Cali_sheep]

I'm not sure what you mean by a full abdomen... If you mean bloated I'd say no. She has not been wormed, but actually I have an update. Upon closer examination there where two tiny green flecks near her vent... almost like those shoots on broccoli tops. Is that an indication of worms?

Thanks for understanding. There aren't a whole lot of house chicken lovers that I know of

 

[Willie647]

Don't know about the specks. Let's bump to top.

 

[Willie647]

I am surprised that no one here seems to have any suggestions for you. You filled out the first post wonderfully with all the info needed. I certainly would like to help but really do not know all that much. Is there anyone with suggestions out there?
Top

 

[Willie647]

Cali, How is she doing?

 

[Willie647]

Also Cali, you might try warm oatmeal and or boiled eggs. Thay seem to like both and might eat a little.
Also yogurt is good for them.

 

[Cali_sheep]

She's basically the same... I've been giving her water via eyedropper but still no luck with food. I'll try the oatmeal, and really? Boiled eggs? Never would have thought of that.

 

[Judy]

My guesses would be worms, then an egg laying problem like internal laying. At that age if you've never wormed and if she gets outdoors on the ground some, I'd try that. I believe it's Valbazen that would be the way to go, kills them slowly in case there's a large load so they don't get blocked up. Unfortunately, if it's something like internal laying, not much you can do, but I believe they get a bloated or swollen abdomen with that. Could even be a tumor. Gives you something to research, anyway. Might start here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=5770173#p5770173

Good luck.

 

[Willie647]

bump