I have a hen who is about 2 years old who seems sick. She is walking and moving less and seems dazed. As I watch her, I notice her 3rd eyelid frequently blinking closed over her eye and then opening. She is less aware of her surroundings, but seems somewhat aware. Our cat approached and she raised her feathers to look larger and pecked at the cat once, but this is a much more diminished reaction than she normally would have. I have looked her over and can find no wound. Her droppings are more liquid than normal. She mostly stands in one spot with looking downward and dazed. I separated her from the flock 2 days ago. She is not eating as much, but she does eat and drink. She seemed a little better yesterday, but worse today. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for any help!
Has she been laying? Does she sound like she has congestion in her chest? Snotty/runny nose? Bubbles in her eyes? Swelling between the eye and nostril? Any odd smells? Is her vent dirty or have discharge coming from her vent?
Have you wormed your flock recently? It's hard to diagnose a chicken without a full body exam, knowing her laying habits and history, and perhaps getting a few droppings tested by any local vet that does fecal floats. Worms can make a chicken feel listless, so using SafeGuard Liquid Goat Wormer or Valbazen once or twice a year can treat worms. Feel inside her vent 1-2 inches with one finger to check for a stuck egg. Check her crop to see if there is food in it, and that it empties overnight. An impacted or sour crop with not empty. Look her skin over under her vent, wigs, and around neck for signs of lice or mites. Check her breast bone to feel if she has lost weight, and her belly for any fullness or masses. Offer some chopped egg, tuna, and a little probiotic plain yogurt meixed into her feed to tempt her to eat more. Electrolytes and vitamins (SaveAChick, Durvet, or Rooster Booster) added to her water can help while she is sick. Let us know how she gets along.
