Lethargic, panting chicken with diarrhea

[loftygoals]

Hello,
I am a new chicken owner, first time flock raiser. I have 7 chickens. Here in Central Oregon it's been smokey and hot for a long long time. I am used to my chickens panting. They have shade, misters, water...etc...but it's just damn hot. My chickens are all almost 18 months, some are laying, some arent'.

However this one is panting even when it cools off...last night she was panting until I finally stopped checking on her at midnight. Also noticed some diarrhea on her tail feathers...no blood, light brown, yellowish tint. She is eating and drinking but much less than normal. All the other chickens are not panting when it cools down, they all are eating and drinking well (so far). Her comb is pale red. No odor from her mouth. Crop is soft, not very full.

I have offered oatmeal with sunflower seeds mixed with some apple cider vinegar and a little yogurt. I have put Vet RX under her wings and added nutridrench to the water. I tried to force some water mixed with apple cider vinegar and a touch of vet RX orally with a dropper but that just stressed her out. So I am not sure what to do. I hate forcing fluids down her because that just stressed her out and makes her pant more...there is a fine line between causing stress and treating them, I think?

Any advice is appreciated...I have thought about just taking her out of the run (they free range in a supervised area during the day, pen with large run and coop at night.). Thank you so much.
Lisa. I am attaching pics of her laying down, panting and standing in shallow water bowl. (Can they absorb nutridrench through there feet)

 

[loftygoals]

I forgot to say that when I thought about taking her out of the run I was going to bring her inside and put her in the bathtub with some straw, food, water, etc...but not sure if that is the best thing...but the heat and smoke are not letting up. I don't think heat and smoke is the cause since the other 7 are okay, but it's not helping for sure...Thank you again. I'm really worried and feel bad for the poor girl.

 

[loftygoals]

Me again. I moved Chicken (Licorice is her name) into the bathtub because she just won't stop panting. I am diffusing Vet RX in the bathroom and forced some nutri drench with water down her. She did eat and drink a little today and scratched around a bit. But the constant panting has me stumped...No rattles...just a very unhappy chicken. If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them....hopefully she will feel better in the am....

 

[Lady of McCamley]

My guess is she may be showing some heat exhaustion or is just more susceptible to the smoke.

She may be the weaker link in the flock, which is why she is showing more stress.

If you haven't wormed or treated for parasites for awhile, that would be the next thing to do for the flock.

For her, I suggest getting her cooled off. You might try putting her in tepid water to see if that helps.

I so get you about the heat and smoke. I am in the Portland area, and we have been slammed with heat and now getting smoke and ash from the Gorge fire (stupid kids playing with firecrackers...in the forest!). It is a miserable mess.

So far my flock seems to be handling it okay, but I am keeping an eye out. Fortunately our weather report offers some relief for a few days, hopefully yours does as well.

LofMc