Lethargy, weight loss, and milky liquid poo

[Beckaberry]

Hi everyone, It has just been a year for me and my chickens with illness and predator attacks. I have kept chickens for decades, but this year, I'm just getting it handed to me. I've had internal laying, ascites, and a slew of other new to me illnesses. I usually do a necropsy to learn from.

Here's my issue currently. In the past few days I have noticed that my Barred Rock has been more and more lethargic. Her breast is thin although I watch her eat and scratch, albeit slowly. Today her crop was full too. I didn't feel to feel if it was mushy or sour, but I will tomorrow. I just noticed today she is pooping pure clear or white water. No particles or pieces in it. I haven't wormed the girls in a while. I do keep their conditions fresh and clean. I am wondering if I should try to worm her? Does anyone have any advice here? It is always greatly appreciated from this awesome group!

 

[WingsysRoost]

I'm very sorry to hear your chicken is not doing well.

How old is she? How severe is her weight loss? How does her comb and face color look? Does she have any history of trouble with egg laying (soft shells, lash eggs, egg binding, prolapse, etc)?

Are you able to share a picture of both her and the poop? That might help with figuring out what's going on.

 

[Beckaberry]

Thank you for your response. I work third shift so am asleep when most people are awake. I didn't have a chance to check her out or take pics today, but I will tomorrow morning. I did make the girls a nice warm breakfast when I got home and she came out to eat so like I said, I will give her a good check tomorrow and respond with what I see.
Thanks again

 

[Beckaberry]

Oh and sorry, forgot to say, she is 2 years old. Her coloring is a little pale and her breast bone feels very pronounced. She doesn't have a problem with laying eggs, but I don't think she's laid recently. I'm not sure how I would actually know this. I've just been short an egg and it's probably her.

 

[WingsysRoost]

It would definitely make sense for her to stop laying if she isn't feeling well.

Has she can been checked for mites and lice recently? That could cause paleness and weight loss. From my understanding, vent gleet in more advanced stages can cause weight loss as well, though I have no personal experience with that.

I usually feed plain yogurt if I suspect vent gleet (since it contains probiotics). I prefer Greek yogurt as it has more protein, which can also help them put on weight if they are struggling. I will also offer hardboiled mashed egg, scrambled egg, or other high energy treats when trying to get a chicken to put more weight on.

Another thought would be to rule out anything such as cancer or an infection of some sort. Those can often show up around the age of two. I truly hope that isn't the case here, though.

Best of luck with your hen.

 

[Beckaberry]

Thank you! I am sorry to not share pictures yet. I work a bad schedule for this time of year. I wake up when the chickens are already asleep. When I checked everyone this morning they all looked ok. I have made them a high protein warm meal for the past two days and she has rushed out to eat with the other 6. I am off Monday and will certainly do a better job of examining and checking all of these suggestions.
One thing I can say is that it is not vent gleet. That's one of my least favorite things to deal with and I know it when I see/smell it.
Thanks again all!