My best layer was fine 2 hours ago - now she's very sick

[cocoloco]

I bought a production red, Ginger, in December - she has always been very active, healthy - eats EVERYTHING in site. 2 hours ago she was fine - came running out to see me as I brought their afternoon snack out - usually all leftovers from last night. I went out in the yard 1/2 hour ago - she's laying down with her eyes closed. No labored breathing no coughing, sneezing, not gaping. Her tail is way down - she won't eat or drink. If something was bad in the food - it would effect the others right? They were free ranging in a new area of my yard today - wondering if she ate something poisonous. I felt her crop it's big and soft just like it usually is. I have an appointment with the vet tomorrow morning - just hoping I can keep her alive that long. What in the hell happened? She's my best layer - lays big eggs every day - including today. I'm at a loss. I brought her in the house put her on a comfy blanket on my couch. She layed there for a few minutes - now she is standing - but her tail is still way down and she has sleepy eyes. Not trying to be funny here, but she looks stoned. I have a video of her - which I downloaded to my computer to show everyone, but don't know how to attach it to this post. I clicked on insert video - it read - paste the video URL or embed code - where do I find that? it's an iphone video with a.MOV title. This group always helps me out with advice and comfort - as a new chicken owner, I'm still learning after 10 months - I'm at a loss.

 

[boskelli1571]

Hi there - sorry about your chickie - I don't have any words of wisdom but sending positive energy your way. Please keep us posted,

 

[cocoloco]

Ok - now she has labored breathing. I am putting VetRx full strength on a Q-tip to put inside her mouth and rub on her nose. She just started to make wheezing noises.

 

[mizjones]

Coco so sorry to hear this is happening. I've had good results with the following: warm water with a pinch of mineral salt and a little apple cider vinegar. It can't hurt and it might help her work through what's going on inside her. It does sound as if she's ingested something but either way, electrolytes can often help them get over the hump. If possible, feed this mixture to her from a 10ml syringe in tiny doses, watch to see if she's able to swallow any and then observe her for a few minutes, repeat.

There are variations on this. Some folks try epsom salt with honey in warm water. Epsom salt has magnesium which is very helpful during sickness.

Just found one site that may encourage you. http://www.gardenbetty.com/2013/10/the-spa-treatment-for-sick-chickens/

And pray for her! Prayers are powerful. The Creator knows "every bird that falls to the ground". Keep us posted.

 

[cocoloco]

Her breathing is really labored now - om my god - what the hell happened? I watch my chickens all day for sickness - she was fine. All I have here is VetRx, and for antibiotics -neo-mycin oral solution and amoxycillan. We used vet rx - should I give her an antibiotic? Which one - can anyone help?