She was fine, then one day wouldn't stand

Last Monday I checked on our hen who we've had in a dog cage in the garage for a few weeks while we build her a new pen. We give her daily outings in the yard. She's been doing great since recovering from a hard molt a couple of months ago. What I found was her awkwardly crammed against the cage, one wing out. I up-righted her, checked her out and she didn't complain. She has been laying on her side for 5 days now. She can't move anything but her head. For the first couple of days she would eat and drink if it was put in front of her, but for the last several days we are feeding her with a syringe.

She is an American game hen -- about 16 months old. Her head also has tremors at times. Tonight she is mildly mouth breathing. We have moved her into the house for the last few days, under a lamp.

I've read all the related posts I could find. It sounds like since she's still eating and drinking that I should just hang in there with her, but I was starting to wonder how long this can go on if she doesn't turn the corner.

We've been giving her cat food and nutri-cal in the syringe. She has refused water for the last 2 days. Any other suggestions?

Thank you.

 

thanks! I'll get on the improved diet now.

 

does anyone have an idea about what could have caused her to just crash in one day like this? She even laid an egg on Tuesday while she could only lay on her side. She's not malnourished. Her comb is bright red. Like I say in the post title...one day she was fine, the next day seemingly paralyzed. What could cause this??

 

I gave her tuna, greens, and garlic water. She's in my lap. Still with labored breathing. Come on little hen...rally for me.

 

yes - neurological is what I've been thinking too. Can hens have epilepsy?

 

I'm going to hang in there with her. She's been sick before (different symptoms) and her sister was once on death's door and then recovered. I can't give up yet. I've seen the miracles occur. But I am going to go to sleep now....