Rescued Hen Care?

[HomesteaderWife]

We rescued a hen today that appears to have been abandoned in the parking lot of the shopping center, and asked a few people who had been out there that said as far as they knew it had been running around in the parking lot all morning with no owner in sight, and there are no farms around. I knew we had to catch her because she was panting heavily and trying to escape the heat under vehicles, and kept running any time someone approached her and headed towards traffic. My husband managed to finally catch her and we brought her home, with the help of another kind lady who was also helping us herd her around. Needless to say, "Wally" has found herself a new home.

It appears to be a few year old mixed breed hen, and she's not only molting but appears to have had some prior trauma (no open wounds though). She's currently quarantined away from our other flock members and I plan on using preventative measures in her care by handling her last and washing up/changing after handling. Because she was so intensely scared, I don't want to start handling her any more than necessary right away. She's got a very healthy colored comb/wattles and luckily doesn't seem to have been hit as she stands and walks normally. She's got water and a bit of scratch grains that she ate up (didn't give her much to let her adjust). So here is my question:

What preventative care should I give her during quarantine? I was considering Corid water in light dose in case of cocci as I have not seen a stool sample yet, but right now she just has plain water and had a light feed. When she settles in, I also plan to either bathe or give a light spray down in proper dose with Permethrin. I plan to try and keep our interactions short and limited to help her adjust to her new home for the time being, and appreciate any input.

 

[Mrs. K]

I rather think healthy looks healthy. So if the wattles and comb are of good color, she is eating well, and walking, active I would not treat her for preventative work.

I do think you should examine her, wait till dark, then with a partner and a flashlight, gather her up and examine her carefully for parasites. Parting the feathers, looking closely.

Mrs K

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Wally is doing well today but still very nervous. She's eating well and appears to have been drinking water fine through the day. We'll be examining her this evening up close to check for parasites and overall condition. Her stool this morning looked great. Hoping even though it's a totally new place, maybe she'll grow comfortable compared to chasing moving vehicles looking for shade in a busy parking lot with no food or water.