Sick Chicken

[bwhnt1024]

I just found one of my Chickens under a tree by herself. Her mouth is gaped open & it sounds like she trying to cough or something. Her waddle is almost purple. No clue what to do for her. Please help. Thanks.

 

[Sgtfirstwife]

I am new to this too, but I did not want your post to go unanswered, so I will share what little bit I know. Could she be hot? Did you check her mouth for obstructions? I would isolate her, keep her warm and see if she is eating or drinking. Can you check her vent and if she has been injured? That is all I can think of. If checking her does not turn up anything, then I would just keep her quiet, if she is not better by morning I would contact the vet. Also is her crop full, is it hard? If she is a laying hen, maybe she has a egg stuck.

Sorry I could not be more help. Maybe someone with more experience will be able to answer.

 

[bwhnt1024]

She is a laying hen. We did isolate her. She's not eating or willing to drink on her own. I've been using an eye dropper to give her a little water. Seems to be breathing easier than before. Cant see anything wrong around the vent. Seems to have lost some feathers around her head, but thats been happening for awhile. No mites or anything. Thank you for your reply.

 

[Hellinahelmet]

in a human i'd be thinking airway obstruction and poor perfusion but I'm not quite sure with the hen. I'd monitor her and make sure she moves air well. Is it possible she choked on something somehow? My chickens love to eat ants and I wonder if maybe she ate one that bit her back on the way down or something. Just speculation though.

 

[bwhnt1024]

She seemed normal just yesterday. Her comb, usually red, is now almost purple. Does have the labored breathing. Seems to get worse when I check on her or if she gets excited. I'm not sure if that would happen if she was egg bound. It's frustrating because we treat these birds like royalty.

 

[Hellinahelmet]

Any excitement or stimulation will increase breathing. I'd just keep an eye on her but let her be. Hopefully whatever the issue is will work itself out quickly.

 

[bwhnt1024]

Thats what we're going to do. Thanks for the info. Hate to lose a bird if it can be prevented.