She won't wake up

[tenderfoot1978]

I have something happening to my chicken that has me baffled. She was fine last night when I closed up the coup, but when I went to let them out this
morning she was in her spot, her head laying flat. I thought she was dead so I went to feel her. She is warm and I can see her breathing, but she won't wake up.
It's like she is in a coma. She has tried to open her eyes and come out of it a couple times, but returns to her laid out position with her eyes closed like she paralized.

Does anyone know what is going on??

 

[Eggcessive]

Could she have botulism? That is from eating a toxin in dead animals, fish, rotting vegetation, or maggots associated with those. It causes flaccid paralysis, starting at the feet, then wings, neck and lastly the eyelids, before the breathing muscles stop functioning. There are other neurotoxins, in chemicals, automotive spills, or lead. Can you feel any resistance when you move the legs or wings? Is the neck easily moved? So sorry that you are dealing with this?

 

[tenderfoot1978]

Thank you for your reply. She might. We live outside of town around a lot of wildlife and she could have gotten into something. It just shocks me how fast she went downhill with no response. And how she is the only one, while the other chickens seem fine (for now). There is no resistance in her neck, legs or wings. When I pet her the first couple times, her back feathers do come up. But after that they don't

 

[Eggcessive]

If she regains conciousness try to offer fluids if she is able to swallow. Has it been hot there where dehydration might be an issue? With botulism, the feathers can easily be pulled out. Here is some reading about botulism:
https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/233569/botulism-in-chickens-ducks-and-others.pdf

 

[tenderfoot1978]

It has been in the high 80's low 90's the last few days except for today which was in the low 70's. I have four areas in the yard where they can get water, and I have one that I put an ice block in on the really hot days. Thank you for the info on botulism.

 

[Eggcessive]

Let us know what happens. Chickens who survive for 24 hours may live with supportive care. So sorry about your hen.

 

[tenderfoot1978]

Thank you so much for your help. I will let you know what happens.

 

[tenderfoot1978]

Just to give an update. I found that she had passed away this morning . Thank you for your help and for the info you gave me

 

[Eggcessive]

I am very sorry for your loss. A necropsy on a body by the state vet sometimes can give a cause of death, but apparently botulism is hard to diagnose that way.

 

[tenderfoot1978]

Thank you.