Rooster attacking sick hen

[craftbug1021]

I have EE's 3 hens, one roo. They have all been together for a year now. Lucy hasnt been acting right, tail down sitting around more than usual. Thought she was egg bound, cant feel anything. Giving her yogurt, and nutri drench. She was going out to free range, and the roo Ricky just kept mounting her, she would just roll over on her side and lay there. Even after the left then she would get up after a bit and go on and eat. Today I left her in the coop all day so they wouldnt eat her yogurt. When they all came into the coop he jumped her again, until she crawled up behind the nesting box to get away from him. I moved her out to the tractor. I hate to leave her there alone for long, but I dont want to put either of the other hens with her because he already has the feathers off one of their wings. Should I put one of my young (2 months old) EE's with her? I am assuming they will go thru pecking order but I cant see her pecking them. But I dont want them to upset her more?? What to do? What to do?

 

[leadwolf1]

If she is ill, the best thing is to put her in a warm, safe place to recover. Putting someone else with her will only possibly cause infection/sickness to spread to the other bird.

 

[speckledhen]

She probably is dying of egg yolk peritonitis and/or internal laying and is extremely weak. She needs to be separated from the group, as was suggested. Please don't subject her to the rooster when she is on her last legs. I've been there too many times with my old hatchery hens and they need to die in peace at that stage.

 

[craftbug1021]

is there any way to save her? I found a broken egg in her nest several days ago, and she hasnt laid since. But her vent is clean, she is pooping white runny poo. Think she has a chance? How long does it take to kill them?

 

[Vamvakas]

When chickens poop white/yellow color wet poop and there wings are drooping forget about it, chances are they will die in a few days. Even if you take the chicken to the vet they will just give them vitimans and stupid stuff that wont help and then you pay a big fat bill for nothing.. Better off let her be.

 

[dainerra]

It's normal for him to attack a sick or injured hen. A weak animal spreads disease and attracts predators. His instincts are telling him that she is a danger to the rest of the flock. She can't escape since she is in the coop so he keeps trying harder.

 

[speckledhen]

That is true. I know when a hen who is normally not bothered is suddenly being accosted by others, something is terribly wrong with her and they know it. Please take her out of the coop.

 

[craftbug1021]

she is now in the tractor, with fresh water and food, not very interested her comb is turning pale pink, I wish I could just go ahead and put her out of her misery but I just cant bring myself to do it. And my DH definately wont do it, he is the worlds worst about thinking everything needs every chance it can get. My poor Lucy.....

 

[leadwolf1]

In times like these, I like to think that I am providing hospice care. I'm sorry that you are having to deal with this

Provide her with fresh water, food and her favorite treats and know that you are doing the best that you can for her.

 

[dainerra]

I think of it this way when I decide whether or not to give a bird a chance to pull through. Birds are prey animals; they know it and it shows in their instincts. A wound can be treated and heal, but an unknown illness can't. When a bird is being attacked by the flock and/or goes off alone to huddle in a corner, I know that it is seriously ill. Otherwise, they hide symptoms and you would never know anything is wrong.
When a bird has settled into a spot to wait for the end, I think it is kinder to put them out of their misery. For them, their instincts tell them that the end is coming. Every rustling leaf and flicker of shadow is a predator coming to eat them. They are just too sick and far gone to do anything about it. Definitely not the way I would want ANYONE to spend their remaining time on Earth. Better to give a quick and painless end vs a lingering fear-filled experience.