Mites and hard molt

[KatefromOz]

My 3 year old RIR has been molting for about a month now. The past couple of days she has been looking lethargic and a bit slow. Yesterday her wattle and comb were so pale. I figured it was from molting but thought I better check her for mites too. Well she had mites, quite a few too. I immediately dusted her and all my other girls. I also wormed, in case that was a factor too. New bedding etc in the coop too. The poor baby is really struggling today. We fed her some sardines in oil and syringed her some electrolyte water yesterday arvo. I've made her some scrambled eggs today but she isn't too keen. What can i do to help her get better? Im guessing she may be anemic? Lots of stores are closed but if I know what I'm looking for I can call around I try to get something. I hate seeing her like this. We dust for mites every 2 months and usually use hemp bedding but I couldn't get any so they have straw at the moment. Thanks in advance (photo from yesterday when she was a lot more mobile).

 

[Eggcessive]

Mites need to be treated every 7 days several times, and the coop should also be treated, including nests and roosts. Straw can harbor mites inside, and it is away to bring mites into the coop. I have heard of people checking bales by dropping them on a large piece of white paper or material to look for mites.

Liver is a good source of iron and vitamins, and you could freeze some and feed her a spoonful per day. Some poultry mineral and vitamin tonics contain some iron.

 

[KatefromOz]

Thank you. I have offered her some tuna but she wasn't interested. She's really looking bad now. Im so sad.
My husband will he home soon and he said he will give her some natural yogurt in a syringe. She's had a little more electrolyte water but that's it. I'll try and get some livers when i can.

 

[KatefromOz]

My poor girl is basically dead this morning. She can't even lift her head. What do I do in this situation? Keep trying to feed her water and some food or just leave her to die. I am so devastated right now.

 

[Eggcessive]

I am very sorry that she seems to be dying. If she is too weak to swallow fluids, I would not try to give them. Just keep her comfortable. If you lose her I would either get a professional necropsy or do one at home yourself to see what might have been wrong. If you do one, take pictures of the organs, and post them here. Some obvious problems may be seen.

 

[KatefromOz]

Thanks for getting back to me. She is up in the coop just laying there. Head on the side. I can see her breathing but her eyes are closed. I gave her some pets and told her how thankful we are to have her and that she doesn't have to hold on anymore. I feel so awful but I'm home alone with a baby so i can't be with her all the time. I think it's just a matter of time now. This is the worst part of owning pets. I know it's probably for the best but I don't have the stomach to cut her open. Thank you for your reply, it means a lot.