Lethargic, tail down, bald vent

[Lily-Rose]

Here she is, my poor darling. She came out of the coop this morning and slowly walked to where she is now after languidly pecking at a few blades of grass and what not, then went and stood on the pathway and is currently snoozing there. Any ideas from the photos what could be wrong?

 

[cowcreekgeek]

Feather loss around/below the vent could be due exclusively to external parasites, but may also be indicative of other issues (infection, or improper balance, deficiencies, etc). A bit of yogurt, and a boost of vitamins, rarely ever do anything but good, and adding four teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to each gallon of their water (but never in galvanized metal containers) does *many* good things, starting w/ removing coatings from their mouth, throat and intestines, which improves the uptake of nutrients/vitamins.

But, back to the feather loss around the vent area ...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/192598/feather-loss-red-around-the-vent-pics-posted

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8644

Hopefully, these threads might lead you to better answers.

 

[Lily-Rose]

Will dust them both down with mite killer stuff, and their coop. Just regular yoghurt? Didn't know chickens could eat yoghurt lol. The tough part of that is getting her to eat. I checked her crop just now to see if it was maybe blocked or swollen, and it was completely empty, so she hasn't eaten today She's currently sat huddled in a corner by the stair where they normally dustbathe (Its dry for once today) and she's just snoozing. Checked her vent and what not, feathers around her vent, but bald underneath, with new feathers growing in by the look of things... So nothing that I can physically see with her is off other than her lethargy and being fluffed up and not interested in doing anything. Shall attempt to get water down her with a syringe later if she hasn't drank anything by then and may bring her in to a box in the kitchen tonight to keep her warm and keep an eye on her.

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Will dust them both down with mite killer stuff, and their coop. Just regular yoghurt? Didn't know chickens could eat yoghurt lol. The tough part of that is getting her to eat. I checked her crop just now to see if it was maybe blocked or swollen, and it was completely empty, so she hasn't eaten today She's currently sat huddled in a corner by the stair where they normally dustbathe (Its dry for once today) and she's just snoozing. Checked her vent and what not, feathers around her vent, but bald underneath, with new feathers growing in by the look of things... So nothing that I can physically see with her is off other than her lethargy and being fluffed up and not interested in doing anything. Shall attempt to get water down her with a syringe later if she hasn't drank anything by then and may bring her in to a box in the kitchen tonight to keep her warm and keep an eye on her.

Plain yogurt is best. Good luck!!

 

[cowcreekgeek]

Will dust them both down with mite killer stuff, and their coop. Just regular yoghurt? Didn't know chickens could eat yoghurt lol. The tough part of that is getting her to eat. I checked her crop just now to see if it was maybe blocked or swollen, and it was completely empty, so she hasn't eaten today She's currently sat huddled in a corner by the stair where they normally dustbathe (Its dry for once today) and she's just snoozing. Checked her vent and what not, feathers around her vent, but bald underneath, with new feathers growing in by the look of things... So nothing that I can physically see with her is off other than her lethargy and being fluffed up and not interested in doing anything. Shall attempt to get water down her with a syringe later if she hasn't drank anything by then and may bring her in to a box in the kitchen tonight to keep her warm and keep an eye on her.

I think I'd bring inside now, 'cause the warmth will help, and put a few ounces of water directly into her crop (might even add a bit of sugar and a pinch of salt to it). Check their droppings for signs internal parasites, 'cause that could be a problem for them as well, and she could just be the first showing the symptoms. Feel their weight, and see if any of 'em seem thin/boney.

 

[Lily-Rose]

Both weights are fine...Ginger is running about the garden as usual, scratching in the dirt, eating greens and layers pellets (Their main staple) and having a good time, then there's poor Babs huddled in a corner looking thoroughly miserable. Should just put wood shavings (Their usual bedding) in the box or shredded newspaper? I would have thought the ink would be toxic to her, or is it okay?

 

[cowcreekgeek]

Not sure on the regulations on inks used in your country (here, they're only allowed to use soy-based inks in newpapers). If you avoid colorful and shiny papers, I'd think it'd be fine, esp. if you put a layer of their usual bedding on top. I have an old oil radiator that I heat up first, and then set the cage on top, when I wanna warm one up. But, just bein' inside, and away from drafts, should be sufficient.

Couldn't find the one I've sent others to, but try checkin' this page out for providing care for a sick chicken ...
http://www.brittonclouse.com/chickenrunrescue/CARING FOR A SICK OR INJ 9_08.pdf

 

[Lily-Rose]

She seemed more interested in eating this morning, quite enthusiastic. Gave her a warm bath which she seemed to enjoy, blow dried her afterward. Took the opportunity to have a feel of her backside Beneath the vent, no hardness, but liquidy feeling, sort of like a water balloon. is that normal? She seems perkier today.

 

[cowcreekgeek]

She seemed more interested in eating this morning, quite enthusiastic. Gave her a warm bath which she seemed to enjoy, blow dried her afterward. Took the opportunity to have a feel of her backside Beneath the vent, no hardness, but liquidy feeling, sort of like a water balloon. is that normal? She seems perkier today.

That's hopefully just the way she feels -- if there's another of the same breed/sex/age, they can more easily be compared. Not meanin' to give ya somethin' new to worry about, but it could also be signs of infection, or the formation of ascites w/in her abdominal cavity.

 

[Lily-Rose]

I've heard of using a syringe to drain fluid if she feels like a water balloon. Should I try that?