New to backyard chickens.

[Vanschelt]

This is awesome. I started with 6 chickens last February (2017). One turned out to be a rooster and couldn't keep him. The remains 5 have turned into pets. 2 Amaircana and 3 Australorp. Unfortunately, one of my australorps is not looking so good which is why I signed up with backyard chickens. Her comb and waddle have turned orange, her neck feather have tinned out and she is very lathargic. Looking for some advice. She have been this way for several weeks now. It looks like I am in good company here to learn about chickens and a possible sollution for this little girl.

 

[Rickba]

Welcome aboard. I have those 2 breeds also. A like the Australorp's. Mine are as big as small turkeys.

 

[Hufflefluff]

This is awesome. I started with 6 chickens last February (2017). One turned out to be a rooster and couldn't keep him. The remains 5 have turned into pets. 2 Amaircana and 3 Australorp. Unfortunately, one of my australorps is not looking so good which is why I signed up with backyard chickens. Her comb and waddle have turned orange, her neck feather have tinned out and she is very lathargic. Looking for some advice. She have been this way for several weeks now. It looks like I am in good company here to learn about chickens and a possible sollution for this little girl.

This is probably a dumb suggestion, but do you think she could be molting? That would explain the thinning feathers and maybe the comb/wattle change (also fits with the 'several weeks' piece and the time of year). The lethargy piece is bothering me, though- is she still eating and drinking normally? I'm guessing she's stopped laying, but please correct me if that's wrong. Are any of the other members of your flock showing signs of being affected? How's her crop and droppings? You might have a little more luck posting about her in the "Emergencies/Diseases/Injuries + Cures" section of the forum.

Welcome to BYC, and I hope your hen recovers soon

 

[CapricornFarm]

Welcome to BYC!
I would suggest starting a thread about the problem you are having with your hen in the Illness and Injury section. I am sure folks there can give you some good suggestions.
You might want to add your location to your profile, it may aid people in assisting you. So glad you decided to join us!

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Glad you're here !

A must have for your poultry is a FIRST AID KIT for any issues that would arise. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/)
It's definitely better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Also, make sure your coop(s) have a proper amount of VENTILATION. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/) Your chickens will absolutely thank you for it!

One last thing, if you're into gardening, feel free to join this years SEED SWAP (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/seed-swap.1220129/)

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Vanschelt Welcome!

I too wondered if she could be moulting but it is difficult to see in that picture. One of my girls becomes very miserable, lethargic and keeps her distance from the flock etc when she is going through a hard moult. Can you see pin feathers at all? [new feathers coming through on the bare patch]

If she is not moulting, my next thought would be lice or mites.
Topic of the Week - Lice and Mites - Prevention and Treatments

Anyways, as Cap mentioned, you may want to post on this forum:
Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures

I do hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

BYC has Topic of the Week articles which I have found to be a great resource and a one stop shop for questions which may have already been discussed within the BYC membership group.

Best wishes to you and your flock!

 

[drumstick diva]

Hope the ER folks can help you out with your hen. Welcome to Backyard chickens

 

[TexasSam]

Welcome to BYC
Did you say you don't have a rooster
Do they free range if so does neighbor have a rooster

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Happy to have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC!
Hope the folks in the ER section are able to help you find out what's up with your hen.

 

[Pork Pie]

Welcome to BYC. I hope that ER folks can help you out.