RIR Acting Lethargic - Please help

[Lemon-Drop]

Is there an estimated amount of time before we should see if she’s interested in eating any food on her own?

 

[azygous]

You'll know because you know your hen. She will show signs of improvement for one thing.

If the crop empties and you offer her food and she shows zero interest in it and hasn't shown signs of improvement, you will need to do another tube feeding.

If your hen declines and loses consciousness, it's pointless to continue supportive care beyond that point. I hope you don't face this, but it's one of the directions this thing can take. You wouldn't be at this point of tubing her if this wasn't serious.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

How long does it usually take for a crop to empty?

 

[azygous]

Now that can vary. One to two hours normally, but if for some reason the crop is slow, cause of this being illness and organ failure, then it may remain full for quite some time. You can always tube a small amount if the crop appears to have partially emptied. You will just need to play it by ear and intuit what your patient needs.

If you have questions about anything, you have a support team here at your beck and call.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Thank you so, so, so, much for all of your help! And thanks for answering all of our endless questions! You truly are one of the best, most knowledgeable, friendliest chicken keepers around! Your patience, compassion, and encouragement have both comforted me and @Starburst. Thank you so much! I’m sure we will have plenty more questions.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Also, we checked her crop. Maybe a little bit emptier but not much of a noticeable difference. She also hasn’t pooped yet.

 

[azygous]

You might want to call it a night and let her rest now. You guys could use some rest, too, having been at this pretty intensely for sometime now. Chickens will often surprise us when morning comes and show some dramatic improvement. Let's hold that thought as we wait to see what the new day brings.

 

[Starburst]

A new update - she doesn't seem interested in eating or drinking, so we will probably do some more tube feeding soon. Her crop doesn't feel all the way empty yet, and she hasn't really pooped at all, aside from a little bit of the white mucous stuff. Her breathing has been a little raspy as well.
Thank you so, so much for all of the help you’ve een giving us. I honestly do not know the words to explain my gratitude.

 

[azygous]

It's disappointing that she isn't showing any improvement. And it's not a good sign. If a sick chicken has the capacity to get well, there is usually some sign of improvement as you progress with treatment. The breathing issue also isn't encouraging and could indicate the beginning of organ shutdown.

I'm sorry that sounds clinical and dry. But it's necessary to assess things and prepare for things not working out. Some things simply cannot be treated. Like with some human patients, sometimes the disease is going to win.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Thank you for being honest. We will try and treat her the best we can, and I hope there’s a small chance she will improve, but I understand that it is starting to seem unlikely. I realized it had been a week now since this happened. Thank you for all your help.