Sick Hen - Need some help!

[Sheepy]

I noticed one of my Red Star hens has been sleeping in the corner of the coop, next to their water can, all day for the past 3 or 4 days. Her manure is clear, kind of like an egg white. It looks like she's losing a few more feathers than usual. She hasn't laid any eggs. I put antibiotics in the water to hopefully keep the rest of the flock healthy, and brought the sick one inside, and put her in a dog crate. I'm putting antibiotics in her water and keeping her warm while she sleeps. Is there anything else I can do? Do you know what's wrong with her? I've never had a chicken sick before (lucky me) and I'm not sure what else to do, PLEASE HELP! She's move of a pet than just a chicken to provide eggs, I don't want to lose her!

 

[rancher hicks]

Are there any other symptoms?

Does she sound like she has a respiratory thing going on. Hold her chest to your ear. How does it sound? If it sounds clear stop the antibiotics.

Have you wormed her? If not get some eprinex for that and do the whole flock.

Is she eating? and drinking?

Try giving her some plain or vanilla yogurt. No bread or treats of any kind.

I hate to sound like a broken record to some but do you keep a constant supply of insoluble grit on demand for your chickens?

In the mean time keep her quarantined and monitor her eating and pooping.

Keep us posted.

Rancher

 

[Sheepy]

Those are all the symptoms I've noticed.
She drinks a lot of water, but hasn't eaten a lot, just some 16% layer crumbles everyone now and then.
What would the yogurt do to help? I will try that.
I don't think they have grit in their food, no.
Thanks a lot for your help!

 

[rancher hicks]

Grit does not have to be in their food. Check postings on grit. I posted on today explaining grit and what it is.

The yogurt will help them just as it helps you, it regulates the good biotics in their digestive system.

Grit helps "grind" grasses and grains in the gizzard to they can pass through their system.

Keep us posted

Rancher

 

[Sheepy]

Okay, I'll get her some yogurt.
It might just me hoping that she's getting better, but it sounds like she's moving around a little more, and she seems just a little more alert than the past couple days,

Let's hope its not my imagination!
I'm not sure where to find some grit, all I have is an orschelns, do thet gave it there, do you know?
And her breathing sounds just fine, but I think i'll keep the antibiotics, just in case.

 

[chickengrl]

Any feed store that you buy your chicken food from will have poultry grit. If you don't see it on the shelves, ask for it. They may have it in the warehouse area. It's cheap and chickens really HAVE to have it available all the time. Good luck! Oh, forgot to say that it is not the same as oyster shell. A hen who is laying also must have that as well.

 

[rancher hicks]

There are two types of grit, "soluble" and "insoluble" .

Insoluble - is usually Gran I grit brand and is granite bits, used by chickens to "grind" up feed, grasses, and grains in the gizzard. This is important to help avoid the sour crop we read so much about. Its especially important if you feed household scraps. It eventually passes through the system and is eliminated with the rest of the waste aka poop.

Soluble - grit is usually an Oyster shell type grit given to promote calcium in your hens and assist in the formation of the egg shell. It dissolves and goes into the system of the bird.

Chickens will eat grit as they need to. There is chick size grit you can use if you think you need to and probably should if your giving them bits of lettuce or other greens. I usually just sprinkle it on the floor of the brooder. Greens however is a treat and not necessary to feed them. They will do fine without treats. I haven't given my chicks greens since the first batch, because I'd rather not deal with it.

Both other types of grit should be available on demand for older birds. I keep two tubs, feeders or whatever you choose to use in the coop and run. You don't want to place "soluble" grit out in the open cuz the rain will just wash it away. A covered area is best and to keep it dry.

Insoluble grit comes in different sizes here, layer, starter and grower. Chickens will decide what size is best. They won't try to swallow a boulder.

Even in a free range situation I think it's best to offer grit. It's better to not risk sour crop than to have to deal with it. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Here you go from my other posting on grit.

rancher

 

[Sheepy]

Okay, then they are getting Soluble Grit. I will try to get some Insuluble tomorrow. Thanks!

 

[jennh]

Quote:
Sounds to me like you have a reproductive problem going on. JMHO

Jen

 

[Sheepy]

If there is an egg problem, is there anything I could do to fix it?