RR is acting sick with tail feathers down - ????

[UtahLisa]

They are all around 2-3 years of age. All the same size but 2. One really big buff and one small one that I don't know the breed. She's just the normal average size and age of the others.

 

[coach723]

It can be difficult sometimes to figure out the exact thing going on as many conditions and illnesses in birds can present with very similar symptoms. In all honesty once they develop ascites it is usually not a good sign at all and the prognosis is very likely poor. Without the option of a vet (preferably avian) who may or may not be able to help with lab tests and such, you can only do your best and try. 2-3 years of age is common for reproductive issues and many of them are not really treatable successfully. So try not to feel bad. If you are up to it, consider having a necropsy done if you lose her, then you will know for sure what happened and it can provide useful information and peace of mind. It is often the case that necropsy is the only way definitive answers are gotten. Sadly. I'm sorry.

 

[UtahLisa]

I'm a licensed funeral director so I get that and thanks for the pointer... How can I locate someone locally?

 

[UtahLisa]

I have put my girl in my greenhouse since she really doesn't have any energy to escape a bin...I just put her in a 30 gallon with food, water and snacks. She instantly ate the meal worms, loves the 3 day old bread and is drinking. She's all dry now from this mornings bath. I went to IFA and purchased heat lamp bulbs but after putting her in the greenhouse there's no need for more heat. It's 80 degrees in there so I open up half the panels to the vertical garden area to let in air and a bit more circulation to bring down the temp. She seems pretty happy in there. Her feathers aren't up but she's eating and looking a bit more lively. If she gets more energy and escapes her bin the only real out is the vertical garden and it's also enclosed with fencing. She should be safe in there for the next few days and hopefully with the medicine and the separation, individual food...Fingers crossed she'll come through this.

Thanks everyone for your help and direction. I really really appreciate it!

I'm not a farm girl but I'm certainly trying.

 

[Eggcessive]

I'm a licensed funeral director so I get that and thanks for the pointer... How can I locate someone locally?

If you Google “Metzer Farms Poultry Diagnostic Labs,” there is a list of state vets and poultry labs that you can contact. Each state has a different cost for necropsies, some as little as $20-35, while other states can be $80-200. Some conditions can be seen with a home necropsy if it is obvious. Pictures are very helpful then, since many diseases affect color of organs, if there is fluid present in the belly, and many here are experienced in helping. The professionals do lab cultures and usually know what they are doing.