Wanted: Sick Chick Advice
I have a hen that has just looked 'off' for almost a week. She was in the pen with the flock and I noticed she wasn't as active or perky as usual. I gave her a warm epsom salt bath 3 days ago and checked her out. Her comb and eyes are normal; no sneezing or coughing; her crop is neither hard nor squishy; her vent is normal; an internal exam showed no egg inside; she seemed to be favouring one leg but no sign of bumblefoot or injuries to her feet or legs.
I've had her since she was a chick (she was born in 2015), no history of illness, or laying soft shelled or super large eggs. She's been laying up to the time I noticed she was droopy.
She's been in a crate for the last couple of day. She's eaten (though doesn't seem excited about food), drinks (I put PoulVite in her water) and is pooping normally.
Any suggestions for what else I might look for? I am reticent to throw antibiotics at her 'just in case' they might work.
I have a hen that has just looked 'off' for almost a week. She was in the pen with the flock and I noticed she wasn't as active or perky as usual. I gave her a warm epsom salt bath 3 days ago and checked her out. Her comb and eyes are normal; no sneezing or coughing; her crop is neither hard nor squishy; her vent is normal; an internal exam showed no egg inside; she seemed to be favouring one leg but no sign of bumblefoot or injuries to her feet or legs.
I've had her since she was a chick (she was born in 2015), no history of illness, or laying soft shelled or super large eggs. She's been laying up to the time I noticed she was droopy.
She's been in a crate for the last couple of day. She's eaten (though doesn't seem excited about food), drinks (I put PoulVite in her water) and is pooping normally.
Any suggestions for what else I might look for? I am reticent to throw antibiotics at her 'just in case' they might work.
