Sick Bird

[hawsecav19d]

I got a sick 10 month old hen I think it might be poison of some kind. Last night she and the others where free ranging and was fine this morning she was extremely tired can barely move I figure she going to die all my other hens and roosters look fine. Should I remove her from the run or put her out of her misery in case its a disease? She has no smell no cough her craw has little bit of feed in it and feels like its soggy. Want to see her make it but worried about all my others. Any ideas?

 

[Eggcessive]

Can she move her legs or stand if you set her up? Can you cage her to see what her droppings look like? Have you seen any diarrhea or blood in her droppings? If you can get some electrolyte packets to put in her water, give her some of that by dipping her beak or giving it with a dropper carefully. Botulism is a serious illness from eating decayed animal, fish, or plant remains. It can cause paralysis of the legs, and later than wings and neck. Lead paint or lead shot found in the soil can cause neurological symptoms. Check the feed for any mold which can also cause similar weakness. Coccidiosis or dehydration are things to rule out. Have you checked her vent for a stuck egg?

 

[hawsecav19d]

Can she move her legs or stand if you set her up? Can you cage her to see what her droppings look like? Have you seen any diarrhea or blood in her droppings? If you can get some electrolyte packets to put in her water, give her some of that by dipping her beak or giving it with a dropper carefully. Botulism is a serious illness from eating decayed animal, fish, or plant remains. It can cause paralysis of the legs, and later than wings and neck. Lead paint or lead shot found in the soil can cause neurological symptoms. Check the feed for any mold which can also cause similar weakness. Coccidiosis or dehydration are things to rule out. Have you checked her vent for a stuck egg?

Can stand her up and she slowly just squats back down. she is currently in a old apple crate in corner of coop. She has one normal looking poop in there since this morning. Used a starter waterer and she took couple sips then closed eyes and folded back up. No mold in feed and no stuck egg. Other chickens still acting normal I think its poison of some kind but has to be something she scratched up going to seperate her to old dog house.

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you have any neighbors who have been using chemicals on their lawn lately? If you suspect poisoning or botulism, you can use an epsom salt or molasses flush to help her pass the poison through her system more quickly. Activated charcoal can help with some poisonings. With botulism, the disease progresses quickly within 12-24 hours, and chickens who live 48 hours will likely survive with supportive care. I don't know if you have considered Mareks disease as a possibility, but can come on suddenly, causing lameness.

 

[hawsecav19d]

Thanks for the response eggcessive, she died I biopsed her craw and I got pretty good idea what killed her, long as no others come down with it I ain't to worried.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. Was her crop impacted?