Maisie won't eat!

[chickiegal]

I have a 2yr old hen, Maisie, who 3 weeks ago had an encounter with a spooked horse who stepped on her foot (we think). 2 weeks after she was limping and the toes had gone black and were cold. After soaking her in epsom salt baths and giving her arnica and mercurous solubilis pellets (for swelling, trauma, and infection) she was better and her toes had warmth and she was squawking and talking. Week 3...not eating enough, hardly at all, 2 of her toes have gone black again but still have warmth. I have been shooting a raw egg (she wouldn't touch cooked) in her mouth then she swallows. I'm also giving her Nutri-Dench vitamins. I will go get the baby bird food today and give her that like the egg hoping it will give her strength. 2 days ago she started going to a corner of the room she's in and with her face to the corner just staying there. This behavior is new and I'm stumped! Thing is she doesn't seem to be in any pain. She isn't panting and I don't see any signs of infection. Suggestions?

 

[rebrascora]

Have you inspected her all over for any bloating or swelling... particularly between her legs and around her vent. What does her breast area feel like? Is she skin and bone or does she have a bit of meat on her breast... ie breast bone sharp under the skin or more rounded. If you didn't see her get stood on by the horse and she didn't start limping until 2 weeks later then I doubt that is the cause.

I think you need to learn about tube feeding rather than syringing fluids into her mouth which is very risky. My gut feeling is that there is something else going on. What breed is she? Do you know when she last laid an egg? What does her crop feel like. Can you post a close up photo of her and what her feet look like?

 

[chickiegal]

Have you inspected her all over for any bloating or swelling... particularly between her legs and around her vent. What does her breast area feel like? Is she skin and bone or does she have a bit of meat on her breast... ie breast bone sharp under the skin or more rounded. If you didn't see her get stood on by the horse and she didn't start limping until 2 weeks later then I doubt that is the cause.

I think you need to learn about tube feeding rather than syringing fluids into her mouth which is very risky. My gut feeling is that there is something else going on. What breed is she? Do you know when she last laid an egg? What does her crop feel like. Can you post a close up photo of her and what her feet look like?

Rebrascora,

Thanks for your response to my Maisie issue! She is much much better! I still don't know what exactly happened to her since I wasn't there to witness. She was my friend's hen and is now mine in a smaller flock. My friend felt she would be better with my girls where I could watch her more closely. Maisie is starting to eat again and is wanting to join my flock. I am still giving her Nutri Dench for nutrition. I don't feel a feeding tube is necessary but thanks for the suggestion. I have used them in the past. When I first went to see her I gave her a thorough examination checking for other injuries as did my friend, Kathy. All seemed normal. Her foot is barely a limp now. No more swelling. She is alert and chick-chatting with the other girls from her run. Thank you again for your response! Have a great day!

Carla (chickiegal)

 

[rebrascora]

So pleased to hear she has perked up and is doing well.