Lethargic, puffy, disheveled hens

[swedish-flower-girl]

I have a two year old Cinnamon Queen who has always been extremely strong and healthy, one of the most dominant hens in the flock. In the past month, however, she's been looking rough: her feathers look dirty, rumpled, and unhealthy, her comb has been paler, and she's been slow and less inclined to compete for treats. Initially we thought the rooster had been paying her extra attention and separated her for about a week but she didn't improve. She's still eating the laying crumble as far as we can tell but won't eat treats and has been losing some weight, and has stopped laying. She has also stopped flying up to the perch at night. Since she was the only one and she wasn't too skinny or ill-looking, we weren't too worried until another hen, an Americana hybrid about 1.5 years old, started exhibiting the same symptoms. We're going to separate them and were thinking of adding Rooster Booster to the water. Is this anything to be overly concerned about? We have chicks at the moment, so is this something that could spread to them or the rest of the flock? Thank you guys!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC

Can you post some photos of your hen and her poop?

Feel her abdomen below the vent between her legs for bloat or feeling of fluid. Make sure her crop is emptying overnight and look her over for lice and mites. It's always a good idea to check feet, toes and joints for any indication of Scaly Legs Mites, swelling or bumblefoot. Basically give her a thorough exam.

Any chance your feed has gotten moldy?

Have you ever wormed your flock? Taking some samples to your vet for a fecal float will tell you if worms are part of the problem.