Second sick hen

[ZedikerStation]

The one in the sling if she doesn't want to be on her feet, I would suspect the pressure of her weight is painful.
If it started out as Salpingitis, she may have lash material in her abdomen and it's pressing on nerves.
It's not uncommon for birds that have reproductive disorders to become lame or immobile. If you lose her, a necropsy would give you answers.

Hopefully the hen in the coop will feel better soon - I too suspect she's trying to pass an egg.

Well, it's a new day... she's out of the nest..... no egg, but at least this one is not passing lash. She was outside with the others at sunrise, but seems to be keeping a cautious distance from them.
-crop seemed normal, but she probably ate before I got there.
- abdomen feels a tiny bit squishy, but nothing drastic compared to a couple others. Nothing hard in either. Are we thinking continuing with calcium for her?

The one in the sling is still hanging in there. She is putting weight on the left leg, but not so much on the right one. Touching the bottom of her foot causes her to grab. I'd say normal. When she comes out of the sling, she absolutely wants no part of the ground. It almost seems like she is afraid of being on it. Jumping like a kangaroo, if held to keep her from falling.
I agree with the necropsy. I have filled out the paperwork to send her to Penn State University. They perform them for State residents for $60.00, not sure what the going rate is....

 

[azygous]

My necropsy rate is four times that.

 

[ZedikerStation]

My necropsy rate is four times that.

With overnight shipping, I expect about $100.00 total. Hopefully that will provide an answer. I don't know what they charge for out of State....
As I'm throwing things on the wall, botulism keeps coming back as a possibility based on age and clinical signs. It would have to be something they got into when out every evening. Possibly a squirrel or something in the leaves. There is some of last years greenhouse stuff back on a pile, broccoli stems, etc. But I don't think they go back that far..... plus I would think it would have gotten them all at the same time, not about a week apart for each.... just thinking.

 

[azygous]

There are always so many variables, individual behaviors, physical status, immune responses, you won't have everyone get sick at the same time.

My initial experience with botulism from rotting compost was a pullet getting suddenly sick and dying, then one week later to the day, a second pullet got suddenly sick. I picked up immediately on the symptoms and began treating with amoxicillin, and that pullet is with me still, six years later.

Sometimes it's not the compost material that carries the bacteria, but insects deep in the anaerobic layer that infect as the chicken uncovers them.

 

[ZedikerStation]

There are always so many variables, individual behaviors, physical status, immune responses, you won't have everyone get sick at the same time.

My initial experience with botulism from rotting compost was a pullet getting suddenly sick and dying, then one week later to the day, a second pullet got suddenly sick. I picked up immediately on the symptoms and began treating with amoxicillin, and that pullet is with me still, six years later.

Sometimes it's not the compost material that carries the bacteria, but insects deep in the anaerobic layer that infect as the chicken uncovers them.

I'll keep an eye on her today.. I'm doubting Botulism, but....... What is the dose for Amoxicillin? I'm thinking she could stay in the coop??? What do you think?

 

[azygous]

Amoxicillin is 250mg per day for ten days. Let the hen do what she wants unless it's easier to observe her in the coop. The minute you see her standing in one spot, nodding off, tail down, all fluffed up, it's time for action.

 

[ZedikerStation]

Amoxicillin is 250mg per day for ten days. Let the hen do what she wants unless it's easier to observe her in the coop. The minute you see her standing in one spot, nodding off, tail down, all fluffed up, it's time for action.

Unfortunately,.... we have experience with those symptoms.... she's staying distant in the run, but moving around. Is the 250mg once per day or half twice per day?

 

[azygous]

If you have the time, 250mg divided into two 150mg doses is better.

 

[ZedikerStation]

If you have the time, 250mg divided into two 150mg doses is better.

We have been making time.... 6AM.... 6PM. Hopefully she's just having an off day and won't need them. Realistically though, this is how each one started off, especially the one in the sling now..... the big difference is this one still has lots of meat on her bones, unlike the other 3.

 

[ZedikerStation]

@azygous The one hanging back has pretty ratty tail feathers. Only one like it. Not sure if it is related. She got another dose of calcium citrate this afternoon just in case.