My chicken is sick

[BigBlueHen53]

Is it okay to use a 500mg one ? That’s all I have right now

Yes. Is it one with Vit D3 included? That's best. I like to administer at night when the chickens are on the roost, much better than chasing in the heat of the day and trying to catch one. They can die of heat stroke that way and it really stresses them. Just pull down on her wattles to get her to open her beak and pop it in, she will swallow it no problem. A chicken can swallow a whole mouse so don't worry about it. Do this for 3 nights and see if she improves and report back.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Is it okay to use a 500mg one ? That’s all I have right now

Sure!

These calcium tabs are meant for short-term, turnaround calcium boosts. Laying hens need access to slower release calcium in the form of oyster shells. The chunk form is available at Tractor Supply, etc. My girls weren't really a fan, so I ordered flaked (instead of chunk) oyster shells off Amazon, although they might be available at feed stores, too.

Don't mix it with their food. Just offer it on the side. If they need it, they'll eat it.

Edit to add: whew! the cavalry has arrived!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Also can you check her crop first thing in the morning before she has anything to eat or drink? Maybe put her in a dog crate at night in the coop so you can check her first thing in the morning. It should feel flat and empty. If it does not, let us know what it feels like.

You also need to supply your chickens with grit for digestion. This is crushed granite grit, it is different from oyster shell. Grit should also be served in a separte bowl or vessel so they can help themselves.

Is this your only chicken?

 

[Chyle8456]

Sure!

These calcium tabs are meant for short-term, turnaround calcium boosts. Laying hens need access to slower release calcium in the form of oyster shells. The chunk form is available at Tractor Supply, etc. My girls weren't really a fan, so I ordered flaked (instead of chunk) oyster shells off Amazon, although they might be available at feed stores, too.

Don't mix it with their food. Just offer it on the side. If they need it, they'll eat it.

Edit to add: whew! the cavalry has arrived!

Wow that’s good to hear ! I gave bon Bon her calcium and is now just chilling in my room. Bon Bon is a solo chicken after her friend passed. Anyway I will look into those oysters shells but for now I will care for bon bon.


Bon Bon did NOT like being fed. Sadly that was the only way she could take the calcium. while I was feeding her (it was the blend you recommended of the cat food and the calcium tablet) she threw up for some reason. Maybe because of the food but her throw up was clear. I’ll hope she will be alright. after i was done feeding her she went to go drink water but it was less this time. So I’ll count that as a plus!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

3-4 years old
Is polish
Is a hen
Has stopped laying eggs recently

not eating , she just drinks water and doesn’t eat anything. I try to feed her but she doesn’t want to . She just sits down and sleeps in dark and quiet areas.

she threw up for some reason.

Welcome To BYC

I'm sorry she's not doing well.

Can you get photos of her and her poop?

Can you check her crop to make sure it's emptying? Feel the crop tonight when you put her to roost/bed (at dusk). Check again first thing in the morning before she's had anything to eat/drink. If the crop has not emptied or feels boggy/squishy, fluid filled or hard, let us know, you'll want to address that symptom.

I do agree, I'd give her Extra Calcium for several days, see if she expels an egg or lash material.

Check her for lice/mites while you are examining her.

 

[Chyle8456]

Also can you check her crop first thing in the morning before she has anything to eat or drink? Maybe put her in a dog crate at night in the coop so you can check her first thing in the morning. It should feel flat and empty. If it does not, let us know what it feels like.

You also need to supply your chickens with grit for digestion. This is crushed granite grit, it is different from oyster shell. Grit should also be served in a separte bowl or vessel so they can help themselves.

Is this your only chicken?

Ohh ok I’ll check

Also, yes she is my only chicken

 

[Chyle8456]

Welcome To BYC

I'm sorry she's not doing well.

Can you get photos of her and her poop?

Can you check her crop to make sure it's emptying? Feel the crop tonight when you put her to roost/bed (at dusk). Check again first thing in the morning before she's had anything to eat/drink. If the crop has not emptied or feels boggy/squishy, fluid filled or hard, let us know, you'll want to address that symptom.

I do agree, I'd give her Extra Calcium for several days, see if she expels an egg or lash material.

Check her for lice/mites while you are examining her.




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I put her to sleep right now since it’s late. Before i put her to sleep i felt her crop, it was like squishy. I’ll send pics in the morning . Ty for advice!

 

[Chyle8456]

I put her to sleep right now since it’s late. Before i put her to sleep i felt her crop, it was like squishy. I’ll send pics in the morning . Ty for advice!

Also what types of pics do I send of her ?

 

[Chyle8456]

Yes. Is it one with Vit D3 included? That's best. I like to administer at night when the chickens are on the roost, much better than chasing in the heat of the day and trying to catch one. They can die of heat stroke that way and it really stresses them. Just pull down on her wattles to get her to open her beak and pop it in, she will swallow it no problem. A chicken can swallow a whole mouse so don't worry about it. Do this for 3 nights and see if she improves and report back.

The tablet doesn’t have vit d3 sadly, it just calcium. I’ll try o just give it to her now instead of mixing it with cat food. She got annoyed pretty easily and it was quite a mess! Ty for giving advice , everyone is a great help !

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Also what types of pics do I send of her ?

We love photos, so of course we want to see her Photos of her poop would be good too.