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Lethargic hen that is getting worse by the minute

The Bird Lover

Chirping
Feb 8, 2021
19
52
94
Back again haha... Yesterday I noticed a hen of mine in a nesting box, but she was acting odd (closed eyes, acting weak). My first thought was eggbound but once she got up, there was an egg with no shell. Then the thought was not enough nutrition, but I dismissed it thinking it wasn't all that serious. The next morning I found her in the nesting box, in the same state. After doing some research, I found it might be an extreme case of cold stress (I live in California and this is the coldest winter they've gone through)
Bringing her inside, I forced fed her some electrolyte water, and she showed progress of getting better (not closing her eyes as much, being more attentive)
However, 2 hours pass and she suddenly is getting worse and worse, to the point where she isn't even moving or opening her eyes. She has droopy wings, and is also breathing through her mouth, even though her nose has no sign of discharge. 5 min ago she pooped watery green poo, and I'm thinking the worst. Please help! 😭
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She's probably still egg bound. People are not aware that in egg binding, a lot of the time, two eggs, back to back, are involved, especially when you see one is shell-less.

It may be too late, but try giving her a calcium tablet, whatever you have on hand, Tums, calcium citrate, or other. It must be around 600mg. Put it in her beak to swallow. You need to do it immediately. Calcium citrate works quickest.

Give her more water with a spoonful of sugar in it to elevate her glucose. Do this immediately.
 
She's probably still egg bound. People are not aware that in egg binding, a lot of the time, two eggs, back to back, are involved, especially when you see one is shell-less.

It may be too late, but try giving her a calcium tablet, whatever you have on hand, Tums, calcium citrate, or other. It must be around 600mg. Put it in her beak to swallow. You need to do it immediately. Calcium citrate works quickest.

Give her more water with a spoonful of sugar in it to elevate her glucose. Do this immediately.
Thank you so much for the information, I had no idea she could still be egg bound. Just gave her 2 pills of calcium lactate, and eye dropped the sugar water to her.
Is there anything else I might be able to do to help? Maybe an Epson salt bath?
 
Soaking can be dangerous if the hen is seriously stressed already. I don't advise it. Keep her warm. Be sure she has water, and check on her frequently. If you have any questions, please ask. We'll be checking your thread.
 

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