New chicken lover - sick chicken - need advice

[Lurlene]

Hi there, I just started raising chickens in April of this year. I currently have 6 chickens that are 20-23 weeks old. I have three buff orpingtons, 1 rhode island red, 1 barred rock and 1 easter egger. Yesterday, I noticed one of my buffs was not doing well, she was laying down, had her wings down and let me pick her up without running away (which is not normal for her). She sat with me for awhile and then when I put her down on the ground, she just layed down on her side, I was positive she was dying. I had to leave for work so I had no choice but to leave her in a coop away from the other 5 girls. I gave her some sugar water and food and put her in a shady location, upon my return approximately 7 hours later, she was not dead, I was rather shocked. I did some research and read about egg bound hens and felt like that could be her issue. We put her in warm water making sure her vent was immersed in the water for 20 minutes while massaging her belly, I then gave her a full eye dropper of poultry nutri-drench, liquid calcium was recommended but I have not been able to find any of that. We rubbed her vent with vegetable oil and I even stuck my finger inside the vent a little ways to see if I could feel an egg and I did not feel one. We put her in a crate with a warm blanket and covered the crate and placed her in a warm dark area for a couple of hours. She acts like she is feeling better however she is still laying on the ground and if I massage her belly she sticks her tail feathers up in the air and her vent is opening and closing a lot. What can I do to help her???

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC - I'd suggest posting on the ER forum

Please read this link first: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/have-an-emergency-disease-please-read-first.3569/

Then post on this link:

http://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

 

[drumstick diva]

Whenever you need to check vents etc. KY jelly is a good alternative to veg.oil. Oil will leave residue and bacteria can grow. KY is water soluable and will diminish on it's own.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

I hope the folks in our Emergency section are able to help you. I do hope she makes a full recovery!

 

[Kiki]

Hi there!
Welcome to BYC and thanks for joining our flock!
This video should help you find your way around, enjoy!