Lethargic Young Hen

[Lifeiseasy]

Her comb is healthy.

 

[RogueHomesteader]

Okay, I recently had the same thing but their combs turned black. Lost six chickens in about 2 days. Sorry I couldn't help. Hope all turns out for the best!

Do you already feed them some DE?

 

[Lifeiseasy]

I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for trying to help though. I will definitely keep a close eye on her comb and watch out for any black.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I did, she has no injuries and no swelling last I checked. Her vent also looks okay. I will check again in the morning though and give you an update. What exactly would swelling/bloat feel like? This is the first big problem I've had with my chickens. They are also the first and only chickens I've ever had so I might have missed something .

Tomorrow, compare her to one of your other girls - they should feel firm, yet somewhat soft. A bloated or swollen abdomen would feel very tight, it may also feel like a water balloon.

She has not started laying eggs yet has she?

 

[Lifeiseasy]

I do believe she has started laying. I will see in the morning though if she's the one that's been laying the soft shell eggs or not. I will also definitely compare her to another hen and I'm glad to know what to look for now.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I do believe she has started laying. I will see in the morning though if she's the one that's been laying the soft shell eggs or not. I will also definitely compare her to another hen and I'm glad to know what to look for now.

O.K. if she has started laying, keep watch on her for sure, I worry that she may be having difficulties - especially if you suspect she is laying soft shell eggs - I could be wrong, but her stance reminds me of having troubles expelling an egg.

If you have poultry vitamins like Poultry Nutri-Drench give her a direct dose at 1cc per 3lbs. Offer some extra calcium - you can crush a TUMS or 1/2tab of Caltrate - see if she will take it sprinkled over a little chopped egg.

 

[Lifeiseasy]

Okay, I will keep that in mind when we go to the store tomorrow and grab some Nutri-Drench. I will also crush a TUMS and see if she will eat some. If she does lay a soft egg, it will be early in the morning so that kind of helps.

 

[Lifeiseasy]

Opal is looking much better this morning and is moving around. She's still not eating and drinking a lot but she started panting and I gave her a makeshift nesting box to see if she will lay, she immediately jumped into the box and started making it into a nest. I started the Corid doses but have yet to give her anything else. If there is no egg in a little bit then I will give her TUMS.

 

[andreanar]

That looks like Cocci. I went thru it with my flock a few months ago. Definitely keep that Corid going, and treat your whole flock. It will not hurt them if they don't have it, but can save their lives if they do. Make sure the Corid water is the only water they have available. And if your sick girl isn't drinking enough, I would syringe it to her.

 

[Lifeiseasy]

I did treat the whole flock and Opal is drinking it on her own . However, she did not lay an egg even though she got into the box and started panting and was going crazy for a bit.