Sick Chick

[7sweetgirls]

I have a 3 1/2 year old barred rock and she is not doing so good. For about 3 days she is just laying on the ground, if I try to stand her up, she puts her wings out. Her vent appears clear, her head is up, I think she is eating and drinking a bit, she has pooped but it is just mixed up in the wood chips so I don't really know what it looks like. She has lost a lot of weight, for a chicken... I just don't know what is wrong and what I should do. I am going to call my local vet today.. any thoughts?? thanks

 

[Eggcessive]

I would place her in a box inside the house, and use either puppy pads or paper towel to see what her droppings look like. Have you wormed w\her recently? Has she been laying eggs lately? First I would check her for being egg bound with a lubricated finger inserted 1-2 inches into her vent (use a disposable glove.) Reproductive problems such as cancer, internal laying, and egg yolk peritonitis are very common at her age. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin or Baytril (enrofloxacin) can be given to help if there is infection. Usually though, these things are not curable, and the hens need to be put down so they don't suffer. Have you added any new birds recently who could have brought in a disease? I would give her vitamins and electrolytes in her water, and offer some egg, buttermilk, and tuna in addition to her regular layer feed. Here are some articles that you may want to read:
http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/egg-laying-issues/index.aspx
http://scoopfromthecoop.nutrenaworld.com/tag/laying-issues/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/526089/egg-yolk-peritonitis

 

[7sweetgirls]

Thank you so much for your help, however sadly my sweet "Wishbone" passed away just a little bit ago. I am very sad... Thanks again

 

[Eggcessive]

I'm so sorry for your loss.