Lethargic Hen

[Dawnclucks22]

Hey BYC - today I noticed my RIR hen didn't leave the coop after I opened it this morning. I wondered if she was just going to lay an egg, but I just saw her with her head tipped over, taking a nap. Her comb is pale today. She's not very active either.
She's about 2 1/2 ish or 3 years old, mixed age flock. On 18% grower feed with free choice oyster shell, free ranged.
Thank you in advance.

 

[Ishcabibble]

Bring her in and check her for parasites like mites, lice, and worms.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

Bring her in and check her for parasites like mites, lice, and worms.

Can you give me some tips on that? I have meds for worms but I'm not sure how to check for lice or mites.

 

[Ishcabibble]

Can you give me some tips on that? I have meds for worms but I'm not sure how to check for lice or mites.

I would watch this video that explains how to check for external parasites :

 

[Ishcabibble]

If she doesn't have parasites there's a chance she is egg-bound and I would follow these directions to soak her: http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2012/06/egg-bound-hens-how-to-recognize-treat.html?m=1

 

[Dawnclucks22]

If she doesn't have parasites there's a chance she is egg-bound and I would follow these directions to soak her: http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2012/06/egg-bound-hens-how-to-recognize-treat.html?m=1

I can't remember the last time she laid... I will definitely check that out.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Hello Dawncluck22,

Before you start to administer any kind of treatment, it's best to know what is wrong with the hen.

Isolate the hen in a dog crate or box with paper at the bottom, water and a little feed. Put her some place warm and out of drafts.

It is safer for her and for the protection of the other hens, in case she is infectious.
You will also be able to monitor her eating, drinking, and administer meds etc. more easily.

I begin by examining a sick hen:

• I Start with the head, any mucous in nostrils, sneezing, wheezing, do eyes look clear?

• Check the crop, does it feel filled with something, but squishy like a balloon? Or, is it hard like a golf ball? Open the beak, does it smell pungent and foul? Her crop should be empty each morning.

• Next, listen to the chest area. Do you hear any noises, gurgling, rattling?

• Look under the wings, are there any sores, bumps, lumps, cuts, scabs, mites etc.?

• Move down under her belly, feel with your hand. Does her belly feel bloated or swollen? Maybe, her legs are spread further apart?

• Finally, hold her under your arm...facing to your back. Look at her vent area.Do you see anything unusual: evidence of diarrhea, flesh hanging out of the vent? Missing feathers over the area? Excessive poop hardened on the vent? Mites or lice egg clusters on the feather base?

Write down anything that you notice.
Get back to us about what you have seen, felt, smelled, or heard, and where on the body.
Then, BYC members will have more information in order to help you identify the problem.

If the chicken is sick and you overwhelm her with medications for the wrong things, it could make things worse.

Provide good supportive care, till you know what to treat for, and also through her recovery.

God Bless!