losing weight

[raacampbell]

I have a orpington pullet, about 8 months old. Over the last two days she's been sitting in the nest box and not doing very much. Her comb feels particularly cold. She's much lighter than her sister, so she can't be eating well. No signs of injury. I don't know what her poop looks like. Not treated her yet but have brought her indoors and fed her. She's eating..

Any suggestions?

Rob

 

[M To The Maxx]

Separate her from the others NOW. Also give her plenty of electrolytes. Pedialyte is good. Put some pedialyte in her water and mix pedialyte, layena and yogurt together in one bowl and give it to her.

 

[Daisygirl]

The only thing I can think of is to feed her some yogurt, which has some beneficial bacteria in it. It could be possible that shes egg-bound, in which case I would check by feeling her abdomen. She may have an egg stuck in there, or several which has caused an infection. Try to get some fluids into her as well, as when their comb turns purple it usually means they're dehydrated. Separate her from the rest of the flock, so she can have some time to herself. Mabe post pictures of her so we can see her condition.

 

[raacampbell]

Ok!
The poop looks very good. She just crapped 4 times on the kitchen floor.
Comb isn't very purple at all actually. I don't think it would come out in a photo.

I don't understand how I should feel the abdomen.

 

[Daisygirl]

behind her chest area, between the legs I think. If shes eggbound it should either feel swollen or have a hard lump where the egg is. Its just a suggestion on what she may have.

 

[chookchick]

Is it possible that she is just broody? What is her behavior and demeanor other than sitting on the nest box? Is her tail tucked up?

 

[raacampbell]

She may be broody. I've not seen that before, so it's possible.
When she was in the kitchen, she seemed normal enough. Curious, preening herself, etc. She ate and drank but not a huge amount.

 

[chookchick]

I'd keep her inside for tonight and keep an eye on her. If she seems okay tomorrow--put her back out--if she heads straight for the nestbox she is probably broody. If there are other symptoms of illness post again. Broodies will often, but not always, squawk and puff up when you disturb them on the nest. They don't necessarily need anything to sit on.