Not a happy hen...

[han-kirk126]

Hi, (sorry to pose again but this site is brilliant & im still quite new to all of this) I have a not quite right hen, she was in a rough state when we got her, but want to help her get better if i can. when we first had her (a week ago) she was bullied by one of the hens we already had - the bully has been removed until they can get on. The hen is moulting, scratches around but doesn't eat much, she stays in her coop and doesn't socialise with the other 2 hens she came with, she has a dry face & comb, i got a mixed brown and white shelled egg from her today, she happily sleeps with the other two hens she came with. Any suggestions/ ideas to get my hen happy again would be great - thanks

 

[boskelli1571]

Hello & welcome!
If she is moulting, she won't be happy for a while. When my girls molt, they seem unhappy, avoid being touched and are generally not themselves. I would suggest high protein rations - mealworms, cat kibble, some oatmeal with probiotic yoghurt, fresh greens if you have them. All of these things will help the molt go better for her. When it's done she will likely get back to her old self & be more sociable with everyone.
Also check the poop for worms and since she's molting check for lice & mites between the feathers & around the vent. Good luck, Sue

 

[seminolewind]

Hello & welcome!
If she is moulting, she won't be happy for a while. When my girls molt, they seem unhappy, avoid being touched and are generally not themselves. I would suggest high protein rations - mealworms, cat kibble, some oatmeal with probiotic yoghurt, fresh greens if you have them. All of these things will help the molt go better for her. When it's done she will likely get back to her old self & be more sociable with everyone.
Also check the poop for worms and since she's molting check for lice & mites between the feathers & around the vent. Good luck, Sue

X2

 

[han-kirk126]

Hi thanks Sue, i went to check on her this morning and he poo.is really funny and a light brown, when i had a look a held her upside down she was sick! I held her for a while checked for mites, eyes are quite bright and found she loves be tickled under the chin . I felt her body and she doesn't seem egg bound, and isn't constantly trying to push or her tail feathers aren't down. Any ideas? as in starting to worry about my little chicken.

 

[han-kirk126]

Her poo is really runny not funny

 

[han-kirk126]

I've had to bring her in .... But shes drinking & eaten some scrambled egg. Checked for stuck egg & bathed her seems to have perked up!

 

[boskelli1571]

Seems like she's doing ok - bright eyes, eating/drinking no obvious signs of problems. I know it's hard when you know somethings not quire right, but time will tell so try and be patient. Keep spoiling her with high protein, plenty of water etc. Keep us updated, Sue

 

[han-kirk126]

Hi, she went down hill fast, so.i took her to the vets and her whole digestive system.had failed and her intestines were not functioning properly. The vet had to put her to sleep as there was nothing that they could do for her and it was cruel keeping her alive. So my little brave Mary had to go to chicken heaven :,( so sad. Thanks for everyone's help and advice i love this site!

 

[boskelli1571]

How sad - I'm so sorry!

Did the vet give you any indication why?? Anyway, you certainly tried and did the right things, sometimes it doesn't work out.
Sue

 

[han-kirk126]

The vet said she was quite old, something must have perforated her intestine something she may have scavenged from the garden he said sometimes they just collapse as they are so delicate. When they put her to sleep all the unprocessed food & non pooped out poo came out, it was the kindest thing to do for her. Still very sad, shes safely buried in a fox/cat proofed place in the garden. So heartbreaking to see her so ill, but glad shes at ease now :'( xx