Sick chicken, shaking head and withdrawn

[Eggcessive]

I also would check her crop in the early morning to make sure that it is emptying normally overnight.
Many hens older than 2 suffer from laying disorders, and some may have an enlarged lower abdomen. They may lose weight, and some may have runny droppings and soiled vents. Some may have problems walking, preferring to lie around. If she is not laying or lays abnormal eggs, that may be a problem as well.

 

[Jojo37]

Oh thank you, I will.
She is losing a bit of weight as she isn’t eating as much , but otherwise is quite a large healthy looking hen with fluffy and shiny feathers. Now you say this I have noticed over last few months her abdomen is puffy and large (I was looking online and I read this is normal for hens?) so she’s more triangular shaped than the rescue one who is much smaller and scruffy anyway but same age . However since I got the one from a sanctuary with lots of other hens, her immune system is good although she has missing feathers/bald patches from
molting and opposed to Hilda who’s molt was short and feathers few back immediately the other one still has a pink crop and missing feathers. Although ironically is healthier! Is there any treatment you can recommend for the above issues? Thanks so much again! Are you an egg farmer?

 

[Eggcessive]

I raise eggs for my own use, and used to sell eggs when my flock was larger. Unfortunately, since most reproductive problems stem from eggs being constantly produced by the oviduct, most disorders cannot be successfully treated. Some try antibiotics, but when symptoms are seen, it is probably not helpful, except to try to extend life. Antibiotics are not approved for poultry, so it can be hard to find them, except online or from a helpful vet. Here is some reading:
http://www.scoopfromthecoop.com/laying-issues-internal-layers-and-peritonitis/
http://www.theveterinaryexpert.com/backyard-poultry/egg-yolk-peritonitis/

 

[Peoples]

If you have a chicken pooping worms could be a sign of overifestation that can lead.to health problems maybe even death. I would deworm.

 

[anita888]

Hello!
I am not sure if anyone can shed some light on the subject as the vet was none the wiser.
My chicken Hilda is lethargic and withdrawn, and shaking head often.
Stands in one place most of the day not moving much. Crop and wattle Is still very red, as is face- which is odd. Currently on 10 day antibiotic drops that haven’t done much yet (day 4)
Prior to this I found worm in poop along with lots of stringy orange stuff (intestinal lining?). Vet said it was not just the worms but her (previous) infection returning so antibiotics first and finish them before wormer.
Eyes, nose, ear are clear.
Off Feed, but eats a little egg and yoghurt. Generally looks miserable and not usual outgoing self.
I have 2 chickens (one Sussex Brown I think and also rescue hybrid I added to keep her company 1 month ago)
Original hens from flock were a group of 3 my sister got as pullets.
The other 2 passed away (one from a foot problem and one from cancerous growth) and we were left with Hilda as my sis couldn’t take them in her new place. She’s about 2.
Hilda is on her 3rd bout of illness (!)
1st time vet said bacterial infection and gave a mild antibiotic that I gave her on bread (low dose)
She recovers. Then gets very ill, watery diarrhea and on deaths door. Give her 7 day antibiotic tablet from vets and she recovers to full health, which is when I introduce new rescue hen. she is very happy to have a friend and also very healthy. Then I notice she’s getting weird again! Shaking head, eating less and I see the stringy stuff in poop. Then the worms and we take her to vet. She checks over and says she’s fine! Tests poop and seems ok other than worms. They dont have wormer anyway we have to order it. then the next day she’s worse which is when the vet gives us MORE anti biotics (drops this time)
It’s not helping yet and we can’t worm her till finished. I’m wondering if it’s neurological? Can chickens get that? The vet had no idea on the head shaking. She is hanging in there. Limbs still strong, just the shaking and lethargy and looks sad.
Any ideas?
Help massively appreciated. I’d hate to think she’s in pain and do not want to put her through that if it’s the case.
The other chicken I introduced is very affected by her and does everything she does! so won’t come out either- Even though that one is eating well and generally ok. Hilda- the ill one-was laying until about 10 days ago although the eggs were sometimes wrinkled.
Sorry for long post! Appreciate suggestions

Joanna

my hen is jerking her head quite a lot too and is very solitary, standing for hours. However when i put her outside under cover by herself she seems to be fine digging around and is eating well. When she is with the other hens she is motionless and hunched up with jerking head movements. He comb is red. she comes to me when i call her and her appetite seems fine. I just dont get it. I will take her to the vet tomorrow when they open as they are all closed at the moment. any ideas folks?

 

[Mariem]

Hello!
I am not sure if anyone can shed some light on the subject as the vet was none the wiser.
My chicken Hilda is lethargic and withdrawn, and shaking head often.
Stands in one place most of the day not moving much. Crop and wattle Is still very red, as is face- which is odd. Currently on 10 day antibiotic drops that haven’t done much yet (day 4)
Prior to this I found worm in poop along with lots of stringy orange stuff (intestinal lining?). Vet said it was not just the worms but her (previous) infection returning so antibiotics first and finish them before wormer.
Eyes, nose, ear are clear.
Off Feed, but eats a little egg and yoghurt. Generally looks miserable and not usual outgoing self.
I have 2 chickens (one Sussex Brown I think and also rescue hybrid I added to keep her company 1 month ago)
Original hens from flock were a group of 3 my sister got as pullets.
The other 2 passed away (one from a foot problem and one from cancerous growth) and we were left with Hilda as my sis couldn’t take them in her new place. She’s about 2.
Hilda is on her 3rd bout of illness (!)
1st time vet said bacterial infection and gave a mild antibiotic that I gave her on bread (low dose)
She recovers. Then gets very ill, watery diarrhea and on deaths door. Give her 7 day antibiotic tablet from vets and she recovers to full health, which is when I introduce new rescue hen. she is very happy to have a friend and also very healthy. Then I notice she’s getting weird again! Shaking head, eating less and I see the stringy stuff in poop. Then the worms and we take her to vet. She checks over and says she’s fine! Tests poop and seems ok other than worms. They dont have wormer anyway we have to order it. then the next day she’s worse which is when the vet gives us MORE anti biotics (drops this time)
It’s not helping yet and we can’t worm her till finished. I’m wondering if it’s neurological? Can chickens get that? The vet had no idea on the head shaking. She is hanging in there. Limbs still strong, just the shaking and lethargy and looks sad.
Any ideas?
Help massively appreciated. I’d hate to think she’s in pain and do not want to put her through that if it’s the case.
The other chicken I introduced is very affected by her and does everything she does! so won’t come out either- Even though that one is eating well and generally ok. Hilda- the ill one-was laying until about 10 days ago although the eggs were sometimes wrinkled.
Sorry for long post! Appreciate suggestions

Joanna

Hi Joanna! Off the top of my head, there is a possibility she has sour crop. Do u smell anything untoward and different if and when u hold her? Secondly, the yellow runny stuff she’s passing in her stool could be an internally bursted egg which is quite dangerous. Look up info on determining egg-bound condition as well as sour crop. Good luck

 

[Eggcessive]

This thread is a few years old.