Please help with what may be Sour Crop

[tcbosco1]

That link was a great source of information - Thanks, I'll be sure to book mark it!

In the meantime, I returned my hen to the coop with her friends. She was very unhappy in the kitchen with me - would only stand in one place, would occasionally drink, and began refusing all food. She would no longer eat her yogurt or even the egg I cooked up for her. I did notice that when I picked her up to feed her and she could see out the window, she perked right up.

So, I brought her outside and she began pecking and scratching like there was never anything wrong at all. Then, when I tried to catch her, I couldn't!!! I let her friends out of the coop and they foraged for about an hour, then they all went into the coop together. At this point I am of the mind that she really needs to eat! I think she is probably ready for solid food (she certainly seems excited about it - if you recall, when this all started, she wouldn't eat anything)and some grit might actually help.

I'll be keeping a close eye on her, but she does seem MUCH more content at the moment. I think my kitchen really freaked her out. Perhaps it was because we've been having chicken for dinner these last few days! ; )

Thanks everybody for the good advice and support!

 

[TwoCrows]

I have dealt with sick birds over my years, having raised cockatiels, quail and now starting to raise chickens. And I have found that sick birds do much better with their kind, no matter how sick they are. Unless they are on the verge of death, separation can upset them and in my personal opionion, make them worse. And sometimes not being even sure a sick bird was contagious, I let them back in with the flock. (Never did any of these illnesses turn out to hurt the rest of the flock).

But birds are very flock oriented and truly need each other. And the fact that you couldn't even catch her, means that she at least has the energy to run. Good sign. It was probably your eating of chicken in the kitchen that made her realize she had better get better soon! Good luck with your girl.

 

[tcbosco1]

Yup, that's the way I see it too!

Thanks for the post! It's always nice to have someone agree with a descision you've made!

 

[jeancordelia]

You get apple cider vinegar at the grocery store. Heinz in quarts. Not the gallons and not other brands.