Lethargic Hen standing but won't open eyes.

[Munkeesmama]

I noticed this morning that our pullet/hen was looking a bit lethargic, standing up but not opening her eyes. She perked up for scratch but kept closing her eyes. This afternoon, she seems more lethargic, is still standing up, but still not really opening her eyes. She will for a second or 2 then closes them, turns her head into her shoulder (but it's not stuck that way) and goes to sleep like you'd see them on the roost at night. Her comb is a bit more pale, but not terribly. I don't see worms in the stool, her abdomen feels normal. What could this be? If I can treat at home I'd really love to as we don't really have the money to take her to the vet, but if I have to I will. Any ideas?

 

[Aj1911]

check for mites and lice

if you find any dust the coop and birds with poultry dust

my hen was acting that way and my bet is she got into a fungus and gave her an infection

get some GSE at the health food store (grapefruit seed extract) put in 10-12 drops per gallon of water, give it to the whole flock then give them plain yogurt

hope this helps

 

[queenbeezz]

I have had several of my flock doing this. Very lethargic, eyes closed, sleeping a lot but they do eat and drink. I suspect they got into something in the yard (they free range from sunup to sundown. Either that or a virus. All have recovered but there were a few that I thought would go to that big coop in the sky. Antibiotics did not make a difference.

Let me know if you figure it out.

 

[Aj1911]

forgot to say there is a chance it could be worms as well

on my hens that got w/e it is it wasnt tho

heres my post on it

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=414205

 

[Munkeesmama]

I ended up taking her to the vet. She was vomiting and open mouth panting by the time we got there. They think it's a bacterial infection and gave her 3 shots, one of baytril, one of mycostatin (sp?), and one of vitamins, and sent me home with oral antibiotics for her to take for 2 weeks. Hopefully, this fixes it. I doubt it's mice or lice since we haven't seen anything and we use DE but could be. Just hope this work. I have to say I love my husband too since they are "my" chickens and he let me put out the $100 for treatment!