Possibly a sick hen

[Grammieshens]

One of my 1 yr old hens has not been laying for about two month but is not broody. She has lost all the feathers on her back. Yesterday I noticed she is losing weight. She gets around pretty well but she doesn't seem to be very excited about the daily snacks. Her comb still has good color and standing firm. Another 1 yr old hen is without back feathers and has not laid in a month and another who is laying but has no back feathers. These two are eating well and more active. Pls help.

 

[Eggcessive]

Are they close to molting age--around 16-18 months? Do you have a rooster, and are any other hens showing these symptoms? They usually molt once a year, and will lose masses of feathers, stop laying, and may be a little standoffish and not eat as well during molting. Pictures can help. Giving them some chopped scrambled egg for a treat and some occasional high protein treats may help. If rhey are not molting, they may be getting feather picked or sick. Heat in summer may make them feel less energetic. Put several flat pans of water in the shade during hot days to make sure everyone drinks often.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Absolutely try scrambled or boiled egg, or tuna. Mealworms are high in protein, but too much protein can cause diarrhea.

 

[Grammieshens]

I have been giving hardboiled eggs and mealworms. She is barely eating and getting skinnier. I notice she has the runs. Could it be worms? Can I treat her for worms with something from TS?

 

[Grammieshens]

Are they close to molting age--around 16-18 months? Do you have a rooster, and are any other hens showing these symptoms? They usually molt once a year, and will lose masses of feathers, stop laying, and may be a little standoffish and not eat as well during molting. Pictures can help. Giving them some chopped scrambled egg for a treat and some occasional high protein treats may help. If rhey are not molting, they may be getting feather picked or sick. Heat in summer may make them feel less energetic. Put several flat pans of water in the shade during hot days to make sure everyone drinks often.

 

[Grammieshens]

They may be molting. However she is barely eating and getting thinner. She nibbles on eggs very briefly. She also has the runs. I am thinking worms? I do not see any, though. Can I treat her with any deworming from TS?

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Please post pictures of your chicken, and of her poo. You can call or check the website of your local Tractor Supply and ask what chicken-deworming treatments they offer.

 

[Grammieshens]

I just lost my girl. I picked her up to bring her inside to clean her up and cool her off. her crop felt mushy. I massaged it lightly and she vomited a lot emptying her crop and immediately died.
I clean the coop and run at least once if not twice a day. There are only two others with her in a 16×8 shaded run. Fresh water with alternating probiotics and braggs organic apple cider vinegar. I add grit to their feed. I just didn't know....what more could I be doing?

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Oh, no; so sorry for your loss! Sounds you did everything you could. If there's a way you could have her body sent for a necropsy, you could find out what was truly wrong. Again, sorry for your loss.

 

[Bugmom16]

I am so sorry you lost her. I am watching this post for more info myself. Again I am so sorry.