Sick Chicken - know what it is.

[kevinbolling]

I have a hen (Buff Catalina) that has become very broody. She is not weezing or any other noticable respitory problem. Her comb, that is normall up, lays down now. She seems to be losing weight and drink lost of water. She seems very week in the legs and a little immobile. I think she has stopped laying eggs.

Thougths about what it is and what I should do?

I have tried to look up the symptoms, but nothing seems to match. I am a new chicken owner.

Thank you.

Kevin

 

[HorseFeathers]

Sounds like normal broodiness to me.

 

[jessica117]

What kind of diet is she getting? I had problems with my muscovy ducks when they were laying/broody with leg weakness. They weren't getting enough protein. We added a little bit of dry cat food to their ration and never had another problem with it. I don't know if this is what is ailing your bird, but it's an idea. Hopefully someone more experienced than I will have some helpful insight.

Jess

 

[Andora]

I would also consider parasites of some sort, worms or cocci. Apparently my birds have been suffering from cocci and I didn't know it. There wasn't any bloody poop. They were just sleepy and weak.

 

[kevinbolling]

Thanks for your help.

I am feeding they layer mash. They also get greens from the garden, boiled eggs, and bird seed.

I will try the dry cat food. I am also going to worm them all in January.