Need diagnosis for hen

[LeChick]

Today she stayed in the coop until about 11am and had her tail tucked under her bodywhen she finally came out. She ate and drank water, and has had very runny yellow droppings.

I gave her the warm bath (which she loved) checked her vent for an egg...nothing there. I felt her belly, and do not feel anything (but again, not exactly sure what I’m feeling for)

I soaked her for about 30 mins as she seemed to enjoy it, and used the blow dryer to dry her off. She dropped a good amount of runny yellow liquid after the bath, but nothing solid.

I also crushed a Tums and added just enough water to make it liquid and gave the entire thing to her with a syringe. Is there any amount that is too much?

Our local feed store is sold
out of oyster shells. so she’ll have to have Tums for a few days. They are peppermint...wasn’t sure about buying, but they only come in flavors.

Once I put her out in the yard, she remained in mostly the same place and I could see her vent working, she was holding her tail up when I went to work. I’ll be going home soon to see her this afternoon.

Anymore suggestions would be great, I’d like to help her through this and get her back on track.

Thank you so much everyone!!

 

[LeChick]

How is your hen doing?

If she has not laid an egg, it would be a good idea to feel inside the vent for one.
What do you feed, including treats?

You have received some good suggestions. Soaking in an epsom salts bath will sometimes help if she is having trouble passing an egg. I would try to get her hydrated.
Do keep in mind if she is lethargic, soaking may put her over the edge so you can also place her in a steamed up bathroom or set her on a heating pad turned to low, just make sure she's able to get off of it in case she's overheating.

If you suspect she is one of the hens that's laying soft shell/shell-less eggs, then I would also give her extra calcium for a week to see if that improves. Give her 1/2tablet of Calcium supplement like Caltrate.

Let us know how she's doing.

I started feeding an organic layer crumble by Purina. We are starting our 2nd 40lb bag. Also a mixture of corn and meal worms as a treat daily: about 2 small scoops. Also random food scrapes from time to time, like leftover veggies & potato skins: about once / week. They free range in our side yard all day, they are constantly digging up bugs and seeds from plants. We live in SC so everything is busy growing now. I did notice today that the organic food DOES NOT have calcium like the last one we used.

Now I know, when I see a no-shell egg to act sooner. I just pray I’ve acted soon enough.

She is not lethargic, or penguin walking, but want to stand still, with her vent contracting away. She still has a beautiful bright red comb and bright eyes.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Today she stayed in the coop until about 11am and had her tail tucked under her bodywhen she finally came out. She ate and drank water, and has had very runny yellow droppings.

She dropped a good amount of runny yellow liquid after the bath, but nothing solid.

We are starting our 2nd 40lb bag. Also a mixture of corn and meal worms as a treat daily: about 2 small scoops. Also random food scrapes from time to time, like leftover veggies & potato skins: about once / week. They free range in our side yard all day, they are constantly digging up bugs and seeds from plants. We live in SC so everything is busy growing now. I did notice today that the organic food DOES NOT have calcium like the last one we used.

1 Tums a day for a few days is fine. Doesn't matter on flavor

If she has any more of those runny yellow dropping, snap a photo of that please. Does it look "eggy" at all?
Hopefully she is working on a soft shelled egg and will expel it soon - or by the time you read this, she is perked up.

How much is a "scoop" and how many chickens do you have total? Oh, it's so tempting to treat them isn't it! They are beggars for sure and I have a hard time not looking at those sweet expectant faces. Since they get to free range that's great, I would try to limit the corn and mealworms. Those can pack on the pounds. Laying hens gain in the abdomen and fat will accumulate around the organs, intestines and oviduct making it harder for them to lay eggs. Too much fat can lead to fatty liver disease as well. I'm not saying that's what is going on but it's something to be aware of.

 

[BarredRockMom]

Was just checking in on your thread & hoping your girl is doing better.

Sometimes if you suspect that someone needs a perk up (dehydrated due to heat, for example) a good thing to give is Pedialyte. It really can help if someone isn't getting enough fluids.

Generally, if someone comes into the Chicken Spa for a soak or to get a 'Once-Over', there's something good in it as reward for her cooperation (unsalted, roasted sunflower seeds, meal worms, etc) & maybe Pedialyte if she's up for it. My girls like grape.

One girl who was recently being treated for bumble foot got wise & started fussing & squirming in the middle of the wrapping. We had to go with her pre treat, middle treat & end treat plan or we weren't getting anything done!

They are pretty smart, know you love them & use that to gain maximum treat advantage. Just saying. When it happens, which may be years from now, you'll be expecting it. But it's still going to be funny!

Thanks for letting us know how she's doing. We all hope that she continues to improve.