Lethargic, sleepy chicken

[Panicky]

My hen has been lethargic all day long. She has been just laying on the floor of the coop with her eyes shut, basically like she's dead. She has barely walked today and did not eat/drink. I brought her inside just now because I'm worried whatever she has will spread, if its contagious. However, I suspect it is either mites or sun stroke. She got hit by mites bad this winter, but I can't find any now. She is four years old so it can't be coccidiosis, I believe.
If more info/photos are needed, I will give! She is my show chicken, as well as my favorite

 

[CluckNDoodle]

Oh no! I'm so sorry your favorite chicken is unwell!
If you believe it may be from overheating then I would put her in a lukewarm bath. Lukewarm, not cold because you don't want to shock her system. If she's as weak as she sounds you will probably need to hold her to make sure she does dip her head in. While in the water, it would be a good idea to check her to see if she feels eggbound. If you have Nutridrench or another vitamin supplement that you could drip on her beak to see if she will take some it can help to give her a boost as well. Just be careful to not force her to take it because chickens can aspirate easily, especially when weak. I hope she pulls through for you!

 

[Kiki]

No do not put an ill bird in water...that can send them over the edge.


Have you brought any new birds home in the last few weeks?

 

[CluckNDoodle]

No do not put an ill bird in water...that can send them over the edge.


Have you brought any new birds home in the last few weeks?

I meant because she felt it was heat related. I've saved overheated birds this way because it was recommended to me. Was I told wrong?

 

[Panicky]

I'm not sure if it was heat related though, just pretty sure.

No, the last time we brought in new birds was 12 weeks ago (unless you count letting my guinea keets out in a pen away from everyone else a week ago).

Just checked her over, it actually looks like her face is pale, if that helps. Tomorrow morning if she makes it I will add pictures.

 

[CluckNDoodle]

I'm not sure if it was heat related though, just pretty sure.

No, the last time we brought in new birds was 12 weeks ago (unless you count letting my guinea keets out in a pen away from everyone else a week ago).

Just checked her over, it actually looks like her face is pale, if that helps. Tomorrow morning if she makes it I will add pictures.

Well just to be safe, skip the water but being inside will help to lower her body temp regardless, so it's good that you have her inside. A pale comb can also be a sign of dehydration and heat stress. I would still check her to make sure she's not egg bound and the vitamins are always my first go to with any issue because they will help to boost the chicken to get through whatever is ailing her. If you keep her inside to observe I would also see if her poo looks odd or if she's showing any other symptoms. Good luck!

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Sorry your hen's not feeling well. Have you noticed her poo? Normal or runny? How is she laying? How does her crop feel? Yes, please post pictures when you're able, and see if she's possibly egg-bound.

 

[micstrachan]

No do not put an ill bird in water...that can send them over the edge.

+1 to this. I killed my first sick hen doing this.

 

[Panicky]

She has been keeping her head on the side and shaking it up and down. I'm so panicked right now. I'm trying to discourage her from this but she just keeps on doing it.
Also, as she's been living in my room, I heard her throughout the night basically farting. However, there is no poop in her box. She also stinks really badly.

 

[Panicky]

As I was picking her up to check her over, she finally pooped. It smelled absolutely awful----I almost vomited. I am not somebody who freaks out over poop, but this was the worst smelling chicken poop I have smelled in a long time.
I don't think its egg bound. Her abdomen is really soft, actually, she hasn't been straining whatsoever. The only time she's been farting is if she moves.
When I put her into her box again, I accidentally put her on her side. She still has not moved from being on the side. Whatever it is that she has, is making her really weak.