Sick 2year old hen: help!

[Urbana Gardener]

Our white rock hen, Emily, has become very lethargic. Hasn't eaten in 2 days. Was fine until yesterday, I thought. Haven't had an egg in a couple weeks but attributed that to her free ranging. They must be in the yard somewhere. Today, she won't drink either. Just stands alone and appears to go to sleep. Put some Epsom salt in water and forced down her throat. Cleaned her poopy butt and found maggots. Cleaned her up and dusted her. I tried putting water on her beak, she kind of drank a little. Found a small watery/mucusy poo, clear or white in color but very small. Husband just gave her some olive oil.
Got some piperazine at local pet shop. Southern states is closed. I dint know how to get her to drink worm mess. Any help is so appreciated.

 

[jjthink]

Maggots? This could mean likely a serious wound needing tending - did you find a wound? If there's a wound, antibiotic may be crucial.

Why Epsom salts?

Unless you strongly suspect or know there are worms, wormer may serve only to weaken her further. Does she seem very light, like she's lost weight?

Give her 3 drops Polyvisol liquid children's vitamins daily starting asap today, dribbled gently along her beak line with dropper so she swallows on her own and doesn't choke. Stuff tastes like crud so follow with something she usually finds enticing and that has nice flavor, e.g. cut up blueberries, watermelon (these things will also serve to get fluids in her, important). I realize she might not eat but try offering her as many interesting things as you can and hopefully something will work.

Hard to know what's going on from descrip - she could be eggbound, she could be internal layer, she could have any number of other ailments. The goal is to bolster her strength as much as possible while you try to sort out.

Post any and all observations to help decipher what's happening. She is in serious trouble, no question, from your descrip.

JJ