Ruggy's mystery illness

[nazu]

Ruggy, my cuddly, 11 month old, white wyandotte, barren hen, passed this morning. For the past few days, I noticed her poop was watery with green chunks. When she started hanging out in the nest box..I thought her time has come, maybe she'll lay. When I realized that wasn't the case, I'd take her out and put her in the run with the others, but she was sluggish and her comb was dull. I scrambled some egg and fed the 3 girls their snacks, but Ruggy couldn't eat in peace as the others would give her a peck now and then. I then made the decision to take her into my house, hoping she would fair well away from that scene, get nourishment and a break from this winter weather. I put her in a large guinea pig cage, with her food and water..she ate and drank, and I felt optimistic. When I got up this morning, she was sitting down and her breathing was labored. I carried her outside, thinking the morning air would do her good, but her wings started flapping and it seemed she was seizing. She died in my arms. I don't know what was wrong with her, or if this is something I could prevent in the future. I loved my Ruggy, she was friendly and funny and I'll miss her terribly.

 

[sharol]

Could it have been a heart problem? You did what you could bringing her in, and I'm sure she felt loved. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[nazu]

Thank you. She's always been so vibrant, so I don't think it was her heart. Her droppings were normal until now, so I think that must be a symptom of something.

 

[avalon23]

Sorry for your loss. I know how you feel. I had a hen do this once...same exact thing. Flapping/seizing in my arms. At first I thought she was just struggling but then realized what was going on. I thought she was possibly eggbound (as that had happened to a couple of my other hens). Just today I had a hen with a sour crop....so am currently dealing with that now. Had to bring her in and docter her up with some olive oil (that's another story!). Then another hen had a real poopy rear so had to bring her in to give her a soak to get that off. It's always something!