Sick hen, could she be depressed too?

[blueberrychickens]

My 20 mo old BO has been separated from the flock since Sat 2/4. SHe is on antibiotics for a suspected respiratory infection & while her breathing is better its not 100%. She has eaten very little, I have tried a llot of different things she might eat, to no avail. She stares out the window, longing for her flock mates. Could she be depressed & thats why she isnt eating??? ANy suggestions??

 

[klmclain1]

I know that after 24 hours on antibiotics...humans are no longer contagious. Maybe this rule of thumb can be applied to chickens as well?? Anyone??

 

[blueberrychickens]

thats what I'm thinking too. Its a warmish day (40 degrees) & I might bring her outside to at least see the others & the others can see her too.

 

[klmclain1]

That's what I would do! Love the avatar!

 

[blueberrychickens]

I did bring her outside to see her friends. She got so excited I just had to let her out of her dog crate to free range. SHe immediately started to scratch around for grass & bugs (not to many of those out right now!) She re-integrated w/ the flock w/ no problems. I let her be w/ the others for about 1.5 hrs. When I brought her back inside the house, I gave her some fresh food.(corn & rice) She ate it all, the most she has eaten all week. So I gave her more & she ate that too. At dinner time I again gave her some food & she again ate. I'm so happy she's eating again

I really do think seeing her friends helped. I will put her out again tmrw after she has some of her antibiotics
I do hope she's turned the corner to recovery!!

 

[klmclain1]

Great! It sounds like she's going to be fine!!!