Really ill chicken.....

[Richyadey]

Hi all, I live in the UK and have a small flock, one of my girls has become very ill, she has lost all her condition and stands around for long periods of time sleeping, she eats small amounts and I am stumped at what's wrong with her. Her droppings were runny for a while but are now semi solid, not green, she has been wormed a little while ago and she does not have mites.
Any suggestion?

 

[Angelpoo]

How is her breathing? Is her comb hydrated? How's her walking? Is she jaundice? You could try adding some if those electrolyte packets to her water... How's her egg laying? Loosing weight? With more information we can help you more.

 

[Richyadey]

Hi Angelpoo
Her breathing is fine, her comb was really dehydrated but seems to have recovered a little.
Her walking was very wobbly but that seems to have improved a little but she is still quite weak and stands sleeping for long periods.
Egg laying has dropped off but this could be due to the change in weather as it has become a lot cooler over the last few days, she has always been quite light, but she has no breast meat on her at all.
I'll try the electro lights solution though and see how she go's.
Thanks for the help....

 

[cowcreekgeek]

Hi Angelpoo
Her breathing is fine, her comb was really dehydrated but seems to have recovered a little.
Her walking was very wobbly but that seems to have improved a little but she is still quite weak and stands sleeping for long periods.
Egg laying has dropped off but this could be due to the change in weather as it has become a lot cooler over the last few days, she has always been quite light, but she has no breast meat on her at all.
I'll try the electro lights solution though and see how she go's.
Thanks for the help....

Sorry your bird's givin' you troubles, and I hope she gets better.

When you say her egg layin' has dropped off, I'm a bit worried ... when was her last egg, and what condition was it? Just in case, there's an excellent article on egg binding that you might take a look at >> peck here << to open it in a new window.

Also, I'd replace the entire flock's water (after scrubbing the waterer) w/ an astringent solution of Apple Cider Vinegar at the rate of 4 teaspoons to the gallon .. eh .. about 1 teaspoon per liter would be fine, but not in galvanized containers. In addition to many benefits, and no potential to do any harm, it helps to 'cut through' the mucus and other coatings in their mouth, throat and intestines, which aids in the uptake of nutrients/vitamins, and any medicines you may have to give. Also, it's far cheaper than any other supplement ...

Apple cider vinegar contains more than thirty important nutrients, a dozen minerals, over half a dozen vitamins and essential amino acids, and several enzymes. Plus, it has a large dose of pectin for a healthy heart. (Source: The Vinegar Book by Emily Thacker, page 6.)

There are links in my signature that might be very helpful ...

 

[Richyadey]

Hi cowcreekgeek
I don't think she's egg bound but her laying has always been a bit funny, she has been laying one in the morning, one in the afternoon and a day off, (we have a flock of ex batt's) today she has had periods of activity and one of her wings does seem to be drooping but she is purring all the time.....
A friend thinks she may be moulting and because she is quite a small bird it's knocked her for six.....
I'll Waite and see......
Thanks for your advice...
Rich

 

[cowcreekgeek]

Hi cowcreekgeek
I don't think she's egg bound but her laying has always been a bit funny, she has been laying one in the morning, one in the afternoon and a day off, (we have a flock of ex batt's) today she has had periods of activity and one of her wings does seem to be drooping but she is purring all the time.....
A friend thinks she may be moulting and because she is quite a small bird it's knocked her for six.....
I'll Waite and see......
Thanks for your advice...
Rich

You're welcome, Rich, and I'd still switch 'em all over to the astringent solution -- be wary of usin' some treatments for internal parasite 'til she's all done (i.e. fenbendazole can potential mess up emerging feathers )-;~

 

[Richyadey]

Hi cowcreekgeek
The hen in question deteriorated so much she was sent to the great hen house in the sky, thanks for all your advise and help.
Regards
Rich

 

[cowcreekgeek]

Sorry to hear that. Keep a close eye on your flock, just in case it was something that might affect others ...