New to chickens, think one is sick

[DSJMHenDen]

We got a group of 5 hens just over a week ago. My understanding is they are 9 months old. I noticed some very runny white poop a couple of days ago while cleaning the coop, but didn't know who it belonged to. I now know it belongs to our Jersey Giant, and since yesterday I have noticed her being sort of huddled into herself and being less active. Should I be trying to treat for coccidosis? (spelling?) I have never had chickens but that's what Dr. Google is pointing me to. She has never laid eggs yet from what I was told, eats a flock keeper (person gave us what was left of their bag) and has oyster shell and grit available. I do not have the wealth of knowledge that many of you do, nor have I had them long enough to discern what may be normal. My gut just tells me she's a sick girl thank you. I have never posted so I'm not sure how to insert a picture of her.

 

[CCsGarden]

Seems like she is not eating enough. White poo can be from starvation or she is pooping out egg white. Hopefully others can help you soon.

Did she have a crop this morning? Does she have mites? Is she underweight? Does it seem like she had an egg in her?

 

[DSJMHenDen]

Seems like she is not eating enough. White poo can be from starvation or she is pooping out egg white. Hopefully others can help you soon.

Did she have a crop this morning? Does she have mites? Is she underweight? Does it seem like she had an egg in her?

I'll be honest, I don't even know how to check a crop... my son has been begging me for chickens for years, and I finally gave in. I guess I better learn. I do not believe she has mites. I will hand feed her to make sure she is eating. She's a big girl and absolutely beautiful, so I do not believe she is underweight. She was checking out the nesting boxes for a couple of days but has not laid (an Easter Egger and Speckled Sussex have been laying, other 3 have not)

 

[CCsGarden]

I'll be honest, I don't even know how to check a crop... my son has been begging me for chickens for years, and I finally gave in. I guess I better learn. I do not believe she has mites. I will hand feed her to make sure she is eating. She's a big girl and absolutely beautiful, so I do not believe she is underweight. She was checking out the nesting boxes for a couple of days but has not laid (an Easter Egger and Speckled Sussex have been laying, other 3 have not)

No worries!
Here's how to check the crop.
There should be a little part/ball that hangs out towards the left side of the front of the chicken. It should feel full in the evening and empty when she wakes up.
Where I circled in this picture is about were the crop is.
Hope this makes sense.

 

[Antiocheggers]

Sounds to me she is or was egg bound. Trying washing her in warm Epson salt bath for 10 or so minutes. This will relax her and see if she move some more of the egg. I also use Hen helper in her drinking water to help with dehydration and a added probiotic. Isolated if possible. I'm not an expert but I have a chicken that gets egg bound. That or she just like the warm bath. I hope that helps.

 

[DSJMHenDen]

No worries!
Here's how to check the crop.
There should be a little part/ball that hangs out towards the left side of the front of the chicken. It should feel full in the evening and empty when she wakes up.
Where I circled in this picture is about were the crop is.
Hope this makes sense.
View attachment 4053119

Ok I think* I checked it, and I think* there was something in it. I'll be honest I wasn't sure if i was feeling feathers or crop. She wouldn't touch any of their pellet feed from me but she did eat about a tablespoon of scratch that I offered afterwards ( I wanted to make sure she got something in her) I appreciate you helping me. She looks great, just seems to be very hunched up into herself and not active. And then when I noticed her have the white watery poop I got concerned. I have not seen any blood or worms in it.

 

[DSJMHenDen]

Sounds to me she is or was egg bound. Trying washing her in warm Epson salt bath for 10 or so minutes. This will relax her and see if she move some more of the egg. I also use Hen helper in her drinking water to help with dehydration and a added probiotic. Isolated if possible. I'm not an expert but I have a chicken that gets egg bound. That or she just like the warm bath. I hope that helps.

That was an initial concern I had, but then I read it was unlikely with a first egg. I have no idea haha. I will try an Epsom salt bath. Is there a certain mixture ratio? How do you get them dry? It's in the low 40s here

 

[Antiocheggers]

That was an initial concern I had, but then I read it was unlikely with a first egg. I have no idea haha. I will try an Epsom salt bath. Is there a certain mixture ratio? How do you get them dry? It's in the low 40s here

Can you bring her inside you kitchen? After the bath if you have a hair dryer I would you that. The ratio i use is about 1/2 cup Epson salt to a sink full of water. I test the water temperature the same way I did my babies when I bathed them. Elbow or wrist . I make sure the water come up pass the rear end. You will be surprised how much chicken love salt bath. But do keep her warm plenty of towels. Also wrap her in towels to keep her wings down.

 

[DSJMHenDen]

That was an initial concern I had, but then I read it was unlikely with a first egg. I have no idea haha. I will try an Epsom salt bath. Is there a certain mixture ratio? How do you get them dry? It's in the low

Can you bring her inside you kitchen? After the bath if you have a hair dryer I would you that. The ratio i use is about 1/2 cup Epson salt to a sink full of water. I test the water temperature the same way I did my babies when I bathed them. Elbow or wrist . I make sure the water come up pass the rear end. You will be surprised how much chicken love salt bath. But do keep her warm plenty of towels. Also wrap her in towels to keep her wings down.

Awesome, will do, thank you so much.

 

[CCsGarden]

Ok I think* I checked it, and I think* there was something in it. I'll be honest I wasn't sure if i was feeling feathers or crop. She wouldn't touch any of their pellet feed from me but she did eat about a tablespoon of scratch that I offered afterwards ( I wanted to make sure she got something in her) I appreciate you helping me. She looks great, just seems to be very hunched up into herself and not active. And then when I noticed her have the white watery poop I got concerned. I have not seen any blood or worms in it.

Good that there is no blood in the poo. At least she ate something