Sick Chicken.

[MotherOfChuckens]

One of my girls is looking a little under the weather. She's very lethargic and all fluffed up with a snotty looking nose and a bit of heavy breathing when she's sleeping. She's still laying but isn't as interested in the usual treats. She started looking a bit unwell yesterday so we've just separated her into the spare coop so I can check her poos. I've added a few pictures of her if anyone has any advise or can help out. I don't really want to take her to the vets if I'm just over reacting to a cold. We have just introduced some new girls to our flock but they were quarantined beforehand and the other two original girls are as lively as ever.

 

[azygous]

It's not "just a cold". Respiratory infections in chickens are a response to CRD viruses, some of which can be extremely serious. It's fortunate you noticed this. Remove her from the flock to a crate where you can isolate the germs as they are contagious, although all your chickens are likely carrying the virus that's behind this infection.

Get some Tylosin from a vet if you can. Or some broad spectrum antibiotic, whatever you can get to address the bacteria that has taken up residence in her upper respiratory track. The infection could clear up on its own or, if it's one of the more intense CRDs, it could end up getting much worse and causing the hen great misery. I know it's hard to impossible to get an antibiotic for animals in the UK, but it's sure worth a try.

 

[MotherOfChuckens]

Hi, thanks for the reply. She's separated as we are lucky to have another coop. I've got her booked in with a vet tomorrow that caters to chickens so hopefully we can get her some antibiotics.

 

[MotherOfChuckens]

Well I've had her to the vets but they don't specialise in chickens. We have antibiotics but her weight it really low. I'm going to treat the flock for worms tomorrow and hope for the best but her future isn't look bright.

 

[Kris5902]

Don’t give up on her yet! You would be surprised sometimes at how well they can recover... have you considered changing her feed to a higher protein? Try mixing some egg into starter crumbles if you can, it is easier to eat and higher in protein. I also have a “sick girl” I removed from her owners care a week or two ago and she has perked up a lot with the feed changes. I really didn’t think she would make it the first night, (and have a little grave already prepped for her) but with some TLC and extra attention she has made a big difference. The regaining of body condition will be gradual (mine is still at only 2lbs) but she makes a little improvement every day

 

[MotherOfChuckens]

Don’t give up on her yet! You would be surprised sometimes at how well they can recover... have you considered changing her feed to a higher protein? Try mixing some egg into starter crumbles if you can, it is easier to eat and higher in protein. I also have a “sick girl” I removed from her owners care a week or two ago and she has perked up a lot with the feed changes. I really didn’t think she would make it the first night, (and have a little grave already prepped for her) but with some TLC and extra attention she has made a big difference. The regaining of body condition will be gradual (mine is still at only 2lbs) but she makes a little improvement every day

Well I've just made her eggs and tuna. She wouldn't eat it on her own. She would peck it but never pick it up. I managed to get a few peices In her beak and she ate them with a bit of assistance. I'll hand feed her for a few days if I have to.