1) What type of bird , age and weight: Ameraucana, not quite 6 months old, not sure about weight but likely only a few pounds. 2) What is the behavior, exactly: Saturday slight trouble walking, found this morning under coop lethargic with pale comb and empty crop, shallow breathing and very limp. Seems to have lost a little weight. 3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms? Saturday late afternoon 4) Are other birds exhibiting the same symptoms? no 5) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma: Not a single one. 6) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation: All I can figure is several days ago we moved the pullets from the bantam barn where they were mothered by a few Silkies to the main coop. I locked them in for a day, then gave them access to the pen for a day, then let them free range with the other birds. The others are fit and fine. 7) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all: Previous to change in condition, Layena and water. Same in both coops. See #9 8) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc.: Slight runny mess around vent, has not yet laid an egg, cleaned area and haven't seen any since earlier Sunday afternoon 9) What has been the treatment you have administered so far? Today I've given her electrolytes, water, chicken marinated in apple cider vinegar and starter feed (she ate about a tablespoon). I bathed her and let her soak in hot water (no sign of egg bind at all) but the warm water stimulated her and warmed her up. I used the blow dryer on low to dry her and I've kept her wrapped in a towel while I continue with electrolytes and chicken. This care has returned color to comb, more alert and much deeper breathing. I've got her wrapped in a towel and am periodically checking her. 10 ) Intent: Trying to treat myself. Local vets just suggest you put the chickens down. 11) If you have a picture of the wound or condition: Not a single wound or bruise on her. No signs of pecking. 12) Describe the housing/bedding in use: Shavings in coop, shavings removed and replaced Thursday. DE sprinkled in very lightly. Important notes: We live in the Pacific Northwest - our summers are very mild, 50s-60s. No chance of heat exhaustion, etc. though she showed signs of dehydration. We use the same materials, feed, water, etc. in both coops. A few times, I've turned her upside down and the water/electrolyte mix dribbled out. I'd dropper feed again, then invert and it would stay put. Repeat after a few hours. Eyes, nostrils, etc. all clear. No mucus, no discharge, no bruises, no signs of any infestation. No presence of mites, lice, etc. She's become a little more alert, actually put up an effort to fight me a bit when I force hydrate. Breathing is deeper and color is better. Keeping her wrapped in a towel with me. This may be just one of those stress-related things, given the recent move. Has anyone had a reaction this severe?
Could she be at the bottom of the pecking order, and the others were bullying her away from eating and drinking? Do you have more than one feeder and waterer?
oh i am sorry to hear!! I recently had the same thing happen to a very healthy rooster- someone told me maybe heat stroke or just its time, there was no explaination!!
