really poorly hen....help

[mumof5]

Hi, I have a Hen she is a black rock, and has been looking unwell for a few days, she is one of 5, they are all about 4-5 years old,this morning when I went to let them out she was on the floor, I lifted her out and have made her a nest in a box and she is currently in my kitchen. She has lost weight and has a haunched appearance, there isn't blood in her droppings, but could she have Coccidiosis? If so what can I do for her my vets practice is shut until Tuesday..........many thanks..

 

[TeamChaos]

Is she eating and drinking? Can she walk? Do you know when she last laid an egg?

 

[dawg53]

I doubt it's cocci. There are 3 possibilities; eggbound, lice/mites, worms, or any combination of these.

 

[mumof5]

Hi, thanks for helping me, she can walk but very slowly, she is drinking and can eat, but not like the other hens do....she hasn't laid an egg this year, so the last time was probably about November.

 

[TeamChaos]

Are you comfortable checking her for an egg? Directions will be on this site under "eggbound hen".

 

[mumof5]

Hi, thanks for your help, I don't think she is egg bound, we gave her a warm bath and she really seemed to relax, we dried her off and had a good feel for an egg but couldn't feel any hard lumps, she is eating a little if we hand feed her, and is stood up. but still haunched over with her tail feather low.......the vets opens today so I am going to take her, although in past experiences they haven' t been very help full, thanks,

 

[mumof5]

Hi, Just to let you know I took Daisy to the vets and he said she had cancer, I held her while he put her to sleep.... she was a really friendly hen and I know although she only lived for 5 years she had a lovely time with her flock, thanks for your help.

 

[dawg53]

Sorry for your loss. No one couldve suspected cancer, only a vet.