Mystery illness, few symptoms

[gracieracer]

My 4.5mo hen stopped eating 4 days ago but has no typical symptoms of illness other than that. She has been keeping her beak slightly open but no noticeable respiratory problems. Feathers, crop, breathing, vent all nomal. No noticeable injuries. She's still drinking on her own a little but I've been syringing water and nutrients 4x a day. Gave her subq fluids yesterday. She's able to stand and will walk a little, but is very lethargic. Had my bird rehabber friend look at her yesterday and she was puzzled -- and she's treated thousands of birds! Hoping someone in the chicken universe has seen this before. Thanks!

 

[SmiYa0126]

Hi! She might have an infection, do you have amoxicillin on hand?

 

[gracieracer]

Hi! She might have an infection, do you have amoxicillin on hand?

I'll have to dig through my supplies. But why no symptoms if it's an infection? My rehabber friend thought maybe she has a virus of some kind. I wish I could get more calories into her!

 

[SmiYa0126]

The open mouth breathing and lack of appetite is what makes me think it's infection. Chickens hide their sickness very well. You could also try giving her a lukewarm Epsom salt bath if it doesn't stress her out.

 

[gracieracer]

Small amount of green poop just now. My research showed a huge variety of causes so not helpful.

 

[gracieracer]

My 4.5mo hen stopped eating 4 days ago but has no typical symptoms of illness other than that. She has been keeping her beak slightly open but no noticeable respiratory problems. Feathers, crop, breathing, vent all nomal. No noticeable injuries. She's still drinking on her own a little but I've been syringing water and nutrients 4x a day. Gave her subq fluids yesterday. She's able to stand and will walk a little, but is very lethargic. Had my bird rehabber friend look at her yesterday and she was puzzled -- and she's treated thousands of birds! Hoping someone in the chicken universe has seen this before. Thanks!

Hen is still alive, thx to syringe feeding and sub q fluids. But no changes at all otherwise. She's not better or worse. I'm so confused....

 

[Lumley Farm]

Hen is still alive, thx to syringe feeding and sub q fluids. But no changes at all otherwise. She's not better or worse. I'm so confused....

is the open beak breathing forced like her head moves forward to breathe? Any info on that green poop? If she free ranges its probably her eating the tips of grass etc. I'm dealing with a young pullet with ascites, very sad because from what I have been reading, she will not live a long life. I aspirated so much yellow liquid from her on Labor day. Thanks goodness for YouTube videos!!!!

 

[gracieracer]

She's back to eating and drinking normally, but neuro symptoms remain. She's just not right in the head, sometimes walking in circles. The mouth gape is only occasional now. I've been letting her out with the others (supervised) and several keep trying to attack her. I'm going to give her another week and if she's not any better, will put her down. It's sad because she's so young.

 

[Lumley Farm]

She's back to eating and drinking normally, but neuro symptoms remain. She's just not right in the head, sometimes walking in circles. The mouth gape is only occasional now. I've been letting her out with the others (supervised) and several keep trying to attack her. I'm going to give her another week and if she's not any better, will put her down. It's sad because she's so young.

These chickens sure keep us learning. Don't know if I was lucky or ignorant, but my very first flock had no problems!!!!
It is sad to put down a hen! I have to bury mine, can't eat them since they all have names and cute personalities. I guess if I had grown up on a farm.......

 

[gracieracer]

Against the odds, she survived, is almost 100% now and is back with the flock! Sadly she now hates me because I force fed her for so long.