PLEASE ADVISE- SHOULD I RETURN HER TO THE FLOCK?

[abottrell]

Hello,
I pulled one of my pullets out of the flock yesterday evening and brought her in the house. She was off all day yesterday, very lethargic and not eating or drinking. I felt her crop and it was empty so I fed her watermelon ( a few pieces) and a few meal worms yesterday afternoon, and she seemed to perk up. Then by evening, she was was back to being lethargic, hiding in the coop by herself, not wanting treats or anything. So, we brought her in the house in a dog crate.. I put some Chick Boost ( vitamins, probiotics, and electrolytes) in the water, gave her her own food.. This morning she seems fine. Her poop is normal, and no mites or anything. She does not have a runny nose, eyes, or anything.. She is not laying yet, ( still a couple weeks i think as her comb still isnt very red, nor large and only 2 out of our 6 have started laying and that was just this week) so I don't think she is egg bound. Not sure if she was just stressed, or what.. in the last week, we integrated 3 younger pullets, 2 of her sisters started laying, we had fluctuating temps (HOT, cold and rainy, HOT, cool) vs. the normal just hot. What do you all think?

 

[shortgrass]

Hello,
I pulled one of my pullets out of the flock yesterday evening and brought her in the house. She was off all day yesterday, very lethargic and not eating or drinking.  I felt her crop and it was empty so I fed her watermelon ( a few pieces) and a few meal worms yesterday afternoon, and she seemed to perk up.  Then by evening, she was was back to being lethargic, hiding in the coop by herself, not wanting treats or anything. So, we brought her in the house in a dog crate.. I put some Chick Boost ( vitamins, probiotics, and electrolytes) in the water, gave her her own food.. This morning she seems fine.  Her poop is normal, and no mites or anything.  She does not have a runny nose, eyes, or anything.. She is not laying yet, ( still a couple weeks i think as her comb still isnt very red, nor large and  only 2 out of our 6 have started laying and that was just this week) so I don't think she is egg bound.  Not sure if she was just stressed, or what.. in the last week, we integrated 3 younger pullets, 2 of her sisters started laying, we had fluctuating temps (HOT, cold and rainy, HOT, cool) vs. the normal just hot.  What do you all think?

How hot was it? Heat stress can make them lethargic if they can't get enough fluids..

Are your 3 new birds acting healthy; were they checked and/or quarantined before adding them in?

 

[abottrell]

it wasnt hotter than it has been, but it was much more humid. the 3 are youngins are about 12 weeks ( maybe a little more) and we have had them since 1 day old. we have had them in an attached integration coop until they outgrew it, and they are perfectly healthy ( even if a bit freaked out)

 

[shortgrass]

it wasnt hotter than it has been, but it was much more humid.  the 3 are youngins are about 12 weeks ( maybe a little more) and we have had them since 1 day old. we have had them in an attached integration coop until they outgrew it, and they are perfectly healthy ( even if a bit freaked out)

Hmmm.. Depending on breed, I would venture to guess the heat would do it, add in stress of new coop mates etc... Poop look normal? Off color, smelly, runny, etc? Heat stress can make runny poo, but so can a number of pathogens... If she's acting ok now, she'd probably benefit from fresh water and maybe some yoghurt.. Some put Apple Cider Vinegar in the water to help with bacteria and it also helps regulate digestion, so that may be worth a shot to help her feel better...

Oh also check the feed. Make sure it isn't off smelling or visibly moldy. Chickens can die from botulism

 

[abottrell]

her poo is normal. not runny or anything.. food seems fine. I wonder if i should just put her back with her flock and keep an eye out. how much ACV should i put in the water? i have 3 gallon nipple waterer. oh and she is an EE

 

[shortgrass]

The usual recommendation for the ACV is 1-2 Tbsp/ gallon, and be careful not to use the ACV in a metal waterer, it will react with the aluminum...

I would be apt to put her back and keep an eye out... I have a few EEs and they aren't the best with heat, but it usually doesn't bother them.. Could always be something she ate just gave her upset stomach, and grumpy and hot.

 

[abottrell]

thats what i was thinking.. thank you!

 

[shortgrass]

Sure thing Best of luck!