My oldest hen is wobbly and is refusing to eat

[Jenneh85]

she is alert, not able to move around for some reason, as she fumbles about and wobbles. Her vent is clean and she has really watery poop. I brought her inside, and all she does is lay there with no intent on food or water, I picked her up this morning and noticed her belly was wet and I dont know if its from her sweating or from her poop as she really doesnt stink.

Does anyone have any suggestions on to what is going on ?
is she in fact on her way to the buggy field of bliss?

 

[MROO]

How old is she and can you post a pic?

 

[MROO]

Is there blood (red or red-brown) in her poop?

 

[Jenneh85]

Is there blood (red or red-brown) in her poop?

No blood just really water with a bit of yellowish stuff

 

[Jenneh85]

How old is she and can you post a pic?

she is roughly 9 going on 10, I got her when she was a chick from the feed store back 8-9 years ago.

 

[Jenneh85]

she is moving around slowly and ate 1 bok choy ..... soooo I dont know....

 

[MROO]

OK - One thing at a time.
First, chickens don't sweat. Her wet belly is probably soaking up the "runs." Either that, or she's falling into an open water dish.

The next option would be an illness. If the only issues you're seeing are lethargy and really loose stools, I'd treat for coccidiosis as a precaution. It shouldn't hurt her, even if she doesn't carry the organism, but if she's carrying more than the usual load, it could save her.
Lastly, at 8-9 years old, she's definitely geriatric. The changes you're seeing could well be age-related. It happens to all of us, if we're lucky enough to last that long. You could try adding a poultry vitamin (most feed stores sell them fairly reasonably) to her diet and/or give her a wet mash to aid her digestion.

Since she's made it this long, my guess is that you are a diligent "chicken tender." Keep up the good work and keep her comfortable. Most animals/birds will let you know when it's "time."
Good Luck!

 

[Jenneh85]

OK - One thing at a time.
First, chickens don't sweat. Her wet belly is probably soaking up the "runs." Either that, or she's falling into an open water dish.

The next option would be an illness. If the only issues you're seeing are lethargy and really loose stools, I'd treat for coccidiosis as a precaution. It shouldn't hurt her, even if she doesn't carry the organism, but if she's carrying more than the usual load, it could save her.
Lastly, at 8-9 years old, she's definitely geriatric. The changes you're seeing could well be age-related. It happens to all of us, if we're lucky enough to last that long. You could try adding a poultry vitamin (most feed stores sell them fairly reasonably) to her diet and/or give her a wet mash to aid her digestion.

Since she's made it this long, my guess is that you are a diligent "chicken tender." Keep up the good work and keep her comfortable. Most animals/birds will let you know when it's "time."
Good Luck!

she was one of my first, and the last one from my first batch of chicks. She ate some watermelon today, and hobbled about. She does stink like pee so I gave her a small bath. I will just make her comfy - I just dont want to put her back in with the rest of the flock and have her be pecked on and die out side, she seems lively but just doesnt seem to want to move much.

how would I know the signs of "it's time" ?

 

[MROO]

she was one of my first, and the last one from my first batch of chicks. She ate some watermelon today, and hobbled about. She does stink like pee so I gave her a small bath. I will just make her comfy - I just dont want to put her back in with the rest of the flock and have her be pecked on and die out side, she seems lively but just doesnt seem to want to move much.

how would I know the signs of "it's time" ?

I'm sorry I can't give you a clear answer, but there really isn't a definitive description of when it's time to let go. If you've ever had to put down a dog or a cat, you've probably seen some of the signs. They often stop eating, get really lethargic, possibly not be able to stand or walk. It's different with every animal, but basically, they simply stop fighting. They're worn out. Their "spark" disappears ... and you just "know."

 

[Jenneh85]

ok things have turned around and now i am confused, She is cleaning herself. Moving around slowly even with a little hobble its not like she has blazing speed and can run.She is pecking at the kennel floor with that food around and has ate every bok choy i left in there and 2 watermelon balls.

I have a rooster, do you think he was a bit to rough with her?
could she have fallen out of the roost and hurt herself?
I just confused, any help would be great.

Could I put her back in with the flock or still keep her separated from everyone?