Need help with rescued battery hens

[newtomolting]

We recently acquired 3 18mo hens from what we thought was a local small farm. I have since been told they are likely ex-battery hens.

They're all pretty rough looking, but 1 looks like she's half dead. She has a hard time eating and drinking due to her large comb.

We torpedo fed her a mix of turkey baby food, all flock pellets, and an egg last night till her crop seemed at least half full. I put out some scrambled eggs mixed with rooster booster with lactobacillus and some tuna today. She's pecked at it a bit, but it doesn't appear like she's managing to get much because her comb is in the way.

I mixed poultry cell in their water this morning too.

I have been told I should give them some ivermectin in case they have any worms, but am not sure about dosing or which type of ivermectin to get.

I've checked for mites and lice and don't see anything. Their poop appeared to be normal when we picked them up, but I did notice a little green poop this morning, but am not sure if I should assume it's due to parasites or lack of eating.

What all should be done to ensure these hens are getting back on their feet well?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[newtomolting]

Want to add...these hens ARE NOT with our other chickens. Our primary flock is still in the brooder, but these girls are in our coop and run. The chicks will not be old enough to go outside until the month quarantine period is over.

Though if the hens may be carrying anything that could be transferred, we are prepared to thoroughly clean the coop and run.

 

[Perris]

That is a normal comb for a leghorn (her breed). She has probably had a very unpleasant last few weeks, being starved which has caused the moult. She needs lots of tlc, fresh clean plain water, proper food, a clean place to stand, sit, dustbathe, eat. She will also appreciate fresh air, sunshine, grass, puddles, bushes to hide under etc.

 

[newtomolting]

Is there a way to I guess tie the comb back? I've done similar with long eared dogs haha

She gets very frustrated trying to eat or drink with it in the way.

 

[Perris]

Check her beak; the problem may be it has been 'trimmed' so she struggles to eat because of that rather than the comb.

 

[newtomolting]

Good point, I actually totally forgot about her beak. I don't think it looks THAT trimmed though, just the very tip. Her comb hits the water first when trying to drink and she gets so annoyed having to shake off the water. It would be funny if it weren't so sad

I will say though, this picture is from yesterday and she's already getting more color back in her comb!