Poorly Hen - seeking advice.

[J.D]

Hi all, I have a hen who has been unwell for about a week (That I have been aware of.)

Fluffed up, very light to pick up in comparison with the other ladies. Tail down. Yellow runny droppings. Still walking around but at a much slower pace and spending more time just standing, showing less interest than the other hens in food and treats.

I have been feeding her porridge with garlic and seaweed, and putting cider vinigar in the water. She is eating a little but not at a ravenous rate as with most hens. I've bathed her in a small pot of warm water in case she was egg bound while massaging her to help things along.

I don't really know what else to do, she is about 6 or 7 years old, she's a normal feed store hybrid so I'm not sure how long prolific egg layers live for?

Any advice would be really appreciated.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @J.D

I'm sorry to hear your hen is not doing well.
Do you know when she last laid an egg?
Any photos of how is standing and her poop?
Do you feel any bloat/swelling or feeling of fluid in the abdomen?

Can you take a fresh sample of her poop for testing of worms?

At her age, it could be that she has an internal laying/reproductive disorder like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer or tumors. Symptoms include, lethargy, going off food/water, swelling or fullness of the abdomen, difficulty walking, loose dropping that sometimes looks like is has egg yolk/white in it and sometimes difficult breathing. http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/egg-laying-issues/index.aspx

You have been doing something right - she is 6-7yrs of age - it could be that she is just getting old and is starting to decline. Give her a check for any lice/mites and see that her crop is emptying overnight. Do the best you can to get her hydrated - if you have poultry vitamins add them to her water for a boost. Since she is not eating well, see if she will eat something like a little chopped egg or tuna in addition to her normal feed.

Let us know how she's doing.

 

[J.D]

Hi @Wyorp Rock thanks for such an informative reply! I have taken some photos (see below).

She has eaten a little bowl of tuna and had some water. I had a look under her wings and there are definitely some creepy crawlies in there, I'm not sure if they are mites?

 

[J.D]

When I first noticed she wasn't well her droppings were yolk yellow and very runny, but this is what she just did after her tuna.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Poor dear

Her abdomen does look distended to me. It's hard to tell about the creepy crawlies, but I suspect they are lice or poultry louse - these can be treated with a Permethrin based poultry dust or spray - you can find this at stores like Tractor Supply.
Having a fecal test to rule out worms won't hurt, but to me, looking at the poop and her stance she is having reproductive issues. Again, I'm not a vet or expert.

Do the best you can to keep her hydrated and eating. If she seems o.k. within herself at this time, then watch her closely, but if she indicates she is in pain or suffering then have a plan for putting her down.
I'm very sorry, I wish I had better answers for you, please keep me posted.

 

[J.D]

Thankyou so much for the advice. I'm hoping If I keep feeding her away from the flock every day so I know she eating and drinking it might help her a little bit. I will keep you updated. Thanks again ! I will get something for the creepy crawlies tomorrow.