Sick chicken - lethargic, diarrhea

[farmland5]

Hello, we have a one year-old Australorp seems sick this morning.

She seems lethargic and her poop is abnormal. See photo. Sometimes she just closes her eyes and lowers her head and tail feathers. Now it has plenty of water.

I gave her some rescue 911 in her water. I also fed her some hard boiled egg and crushed up egg shells. She ate a little but then walked away. She did not go after it like she normally would. I tried feeding her a chicken dewormer pill crushed up but she won’t eat it.

The rest of the flick is acting normal. We fed them dried up egg shells the other day with out boiling or baking them first. Could that make her sick? I’m not sure of what is wrong or what to do? Any suggestions?

 

[Egger Anna]

See photo.

There is no photo

 

[farmland5]

See photo of poop.

 

[farmland5]

I happen to have calcium citrate on hand. See photo. Should I give her some of this? If so, what is the correct dose?

 

[Egger Anna]

I'm sorry to hear about your Australorp. Based on the symptoms you've described—lethargy, abnormal poop, and a lack of appetite—there could be several potential issues. Here are some steps you can take:

1. **Hydration**: Ensure she has access to fresh water at all times. You've already added Rescue 911 to her water, which is good for hydration and electrolyte replacement.

2. **Nutrition**: Offer her easily digestible foods like mashed hard-boiled eggs, plain yogurt, or oatmeal. Since she's not eating much, try hand-feeding her small amounts frequently.

3. **Calcium**: Raw egg shells can potentially carry Salmonella, so it's best to avoid them. Calcium citrate can be a good alternative. For a one-year-old chicken, a general guideline is to provide about 2-3 grams of calcium per kilogram of body weight per day. However, since you're dealing with an individual bird, it's crucial to consult with an avian vet for the correct dosage. Over-supplementing calcium can lead to other health issues.

4. **Deworming**: If you suspect worms, try mixing the dewormer with a small amount of a strong-smelling food like garlic or a bit of apple cider vinegar to mask the taste. Alternatively, you can try administering it orally using a syringe without the needle.

5. **Vet Visit**: Given her symptoms, it's important to have her checked by an avian vet as soon as possible. They can perform tests to determine if she has a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, or if there's another underlying issue.

6. **Isolation**: Keep her separate from the rest of the flock to prevent the spread of any potential illness and to monitor her more closely.

7. **Monitor**: Keep a close eye on her droppings, appetite, and activity levels. Any changes can provide valuable information for the vet.

Regarding the dried egg shells, while they can provide calcium, they should be thoroughly cleaned and crushed finely to avoid any potential issues. However, this is unlikely to be the sole cause of her current symptoms.

In the meantime, make sure she's in a warm, draft-free area and keep her hydrated and fed as best you can. Good luck, and I hope she feels better soon!

 

[Egger Anna]

I happen to have calcium citrate on hand. See photo. Should I give her some of this? If so, what is the correct dose?

I'm not a vet, but I can provide some general information based on available resources. Calcium citrate can be a good source of calcium for chickens, but it's crucial to get the dosage right.

For a one-year-old Australorp, which typically weighs around 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs), a general guideline is to provide about 2-3 grams of calcium per kilogram of body weight per day. However, this is a rough estimate and can vary based on the bird's specific needs and health status.

Here's a general way to calculate it:

* Body weight: 2.5 kg
* Calcium needed: 2-3 grams per kg of body weight
* So, for a 2.5 kg chicken, you might need around 5-7.5 grams of calcium citrate per day.

However, this is a broad range and can be too much or too little for your specific chicken. It's essential to consult with an avian vet for the correct dosage, as over-supplementing calcium can lead to other health issues like kidney damage or gout.

If you decide to give her calcium citrate, make sure to:

1. Dissolve it in water to make it easier for her to consume.
2. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it based on her response and the vet's advice.
3. Monitor her closely for any signs of discomfort or adverse reactions.

In the meantime, make sure she has access to fresh water and easily digestible foods. Good luck, and I hope she feels better soon!

 

[Egger Anna]

I utilized venice.ai to help find the answers, hope your girl feels better! Take care!

 

[farmland5]

Farm vet can’t see her until Monday.