lethargic hen

[veronicadm8]

Hi all,
I'm fairly new to turkeys, and have a Narragensett hen and tom. My hen has been lethargic, and is a little on the light side. She started laying (about 8 eggs out of her) and has now stopped for about a week. I'm worried about her. She free ranges with my chickens. I know blackhead disease is a concern, but the tom seems to be ok. I've been using ACV and cayenne in food and water to boost immune system, but any other suggestions? Is this typical in the laying season or is she sick? I'd hate to lose her.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Being lethargic can be many things. I'm a bit fan of giving them just fresh clean water without extra stuff in it to make sure they drink enough, I know I wouldn't want vinegar in my water.

Have you checked her all over for other symptoms? Sometimes hens get hurt during mating so check her for wounds, as well as external parasites.

Egg laying usually indicated they are well. What are you feeding them?

 

[veronicadm8]

I'm feeding them game bird crumble as well as all kinds of table scraps. I don't see any injuries or parasites- I did check, forgot to mention it.

 

[veronicadm8]

Also, the egg laying has stopped for about a week now.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Without further symptoms it can be hard to tell if anything is wrong or what it would be. Over the counter antibiotics are no longer available so any treatment would require a vet.

Turkeys don't lay eggs continuously through the season. They start and stop and many will go broody after laying a clutch and they won't lay for a while after whether they hatch or not. So not laying doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with a hen.

 

[veronicadm8]

I guess we'll see.. thanks for the feedback. I'm not taking her to the vet. I do have antibiotics, but am not comfortable administering them without any clear symptoms of specific illness.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

We don't do vets either for poultry. Most times when they are ill they aren't going to improve no matter what you try. Hopefully she looks better soon for you.