Sick Chicken *update - chicken died*

[Patchofheaven]

For the past 2 days my white chicken has been acting a little sick and looks as though its comb and waddles are lighter than before. I think it's a roo, but don't know for sure what it is, it has been laying down alot and doesn't seem to be eating or drinking as much as usual. It should be about 4 1/2 months old now and none of my chickens have started laying yet. The other 7 chickens seem to be fine, I have noticed that one of the roos will try to mount this white chicken and is also very protective of it right now. Here are a couple of before and after pics:

This is the Before shot taken about a month ago - notice the color of its comb and waddles - healthy happy chicken.

This is the After shot taken this morning - it doesn't want to come out of the coop, acting really lethargic (sleepy) this morning. I haven't seen its poop yet, but I plan to go observe in a little bit. Could this possibly be a hen and maybe this is what happens when she is going to lay her first egg? I've never had chickens before and don't know what to expect...
Or is it my first instinct that this chicken is sick?

 

[Patchofheaven]

I just came back from observing the white chicken and he looks like he is getting worse. I wish someone would please respond and let me know what I can do to try to help this bird...

 

[tiffanyh]

I wish I could help--but I have no idea. Is it really hot, could you add electrolytes to the water or bring her inside to cool her off and see if she perks up. I was thinking maybe eggs too, but mine get all excited and noisey before they lay.

Hope someone else comes along with more advice.

 

[Patchofheaven]

I don't have any electrolytes, but what about sugar water or sugar free koolaid, yogurt or something like that?

 

[GloriaH]

Could it be the heat getting to her? I know it's been really hot here in Tennessee. Has she been drinking? You may need to get some liquids into her. She needs electrolytes. Has she been panting alot, like a dog? If she is hot you may want to try to cool her down by bringing her into the house. No direct drafts. Also, is she eating? Try scrambbling an egg in a bowl, then add some dry oat meal into that. Then cook in a little oil like you would scrambbled eggs. My chickens go crazy for this. I'll be pulling for her.

 

[BeckyLa]

First of all, I believe your bird is a pullet. She could very well be trying to lay her first egg. All she knows is that she feels funny because this is her first time. Do keep an eye on her, though, as it could be something else. You need to closely check her poop to see if it's bloody or has worms. Worms seem to be getting bad this year.

 

[GloriaH]

Does anyone have a recipe for home made electrolytes. I have one but it's for goats. I don't know if it would work for chickens.

 

[Patchofheaven]

Will yogurt or sugar water help?

 

[Newchickenmom&kids]

Scroll down to post #7....it has a recipe for homemade electrolyes

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=13778

 

[Patchofheaven]

Thank you NewChickenMom&kids and GloriaH - I'm going to go make it right now - any idea how to give it to the chicken?

It's actually been quite a bit cooler today and this past week - raining alot and the highs in the low 90's. I'm hoping that it's like BeckyLA said - trying to have it's first egg, but I'm scared that it might be something else.

Thanks again!