Sick Hen; New Question, pg 5

[sammi]

d.k :

*don't like the sound of that belly bulge, sammi. Could she be eggbound? Bowel obstruction? Something like that?? Maybe gasping because something restricting her diaphram? Is she still pooping, LH?

yes...it's a worry.

but she hasn't replied to the questions..?
could be some sort of obstruction/egg bound/crop/air sac problem..etc..
or respiratory..

can't help without more detailed information of symptoms.​

 

[LinckHillPoultry]

I haven't had any experience with egg bound of bowel obstruction birds DK.
I checked on her today and shes still in the same condition and hanging in there.

 

[hinkjc]

You have her in the warm house right? If so, I want to suggest trying to give her a warm bath soak. If she is eggbound, these soaks can help them relax the muscles back there enough to pass whatever is blocked sometimes. You will find at first she won't like it..but they usually settle right in and just relax. After the bath, make sure to keep her nice and warm (blow dry on low with a hair dryer careful not to burn her skin).

Jody

 

[LinckHillPoultry]

She is in a warm house. What are the symptoms of egg bound hens?

 

[dlhunicorn]

we spoke last nite a bit in chat ... unfortunately there is a HUGE time gap between the USA and me (holland) and to be perfectly honest with you I am not at my best (clear headed) at three a.m.
You have a pm with the info we discussed... HOWEVER please do not interpret that as a recommendation from me to use the meds and such in the info I sent... I know this is not what you are wanting to hear, but even today after some sleep and reading carefully through this post, I cannot offer up advice on a particular treatment with any thing even resembling certainty in this instance.
One thing I can say though is that I think your bird is dehydrated. I am glad you have moved the bird to a warmer place as this will ease its burden by not having to use resources to keep warm. Please note that ill birds (particularly with respiratory distress) should have a humidity of at LEAST 70%... protect from DRAFT...
With panting/gasping, birds have a physiological responce of acidosis and NEED electrolytes (it should also be at a lukewarm temperature) until you get the dehydration sorted out your bird will remain unable to properly process nutrition (and meds)... a "bit of salt and sugar"is insufficient IMHO here so you need a proper electrolyte really and I suggest you get a commercial brand (look at your feed sotre for DURVET > dosage:
(source: DURVET)
http://p098.ezboard.com/fbackyardchickensfrm30.showMessage?topicID=113.topic
If you have the 4 oz. packet of Vitamins and Electrolytes then you would mix ½ teaspoon into 1 gallon of water.

If you have the 8 oz. packet of Vitamins and Electrolytes then you would mix ¾ teaspoon into 1 gallon of water "

If you absolutely cannot find a proper commercial electrolyte (and remember you also have the option of subcutaneous admin of RINGERS solution if you can get that from a vet or other source) then here is an emergency "recipe" to make yourself but you MUST not delete or substitute any of the ingredients (for instance substitute glucose/cornsyrup with table sugar) here it is:
From "Practical Wildlife Care" by Les Stocker:
It is possible to mix your own equivalent oral rehydrating salts by using the following ingredients:

7g sodium chloride (NaCl, common salt)
5g sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
3g potassium chloride (commonly called "Muriate of Potash". Salt substitutes contain mostly potassium chloride)
40g glucose (a common source is corn syrup)
2 litres water

The solution must be mixed thoroughly and discarded after 24 hours..."

Rehydrating your bird is the first step to getting her better... after rehydration and some nutrition (we discussed the handfeeding formula) then you can decide on whether or not to give the TYLAN as per the article I sent in pm. :aww
I am so sorry I was unable to help you earlier but when I am so unsure myself I hesitate to give any advice... I am also wondering if instead of a respiratory illness it may perhaps be aspergillosis or other mycotoxin... wet bedding perhaps or a forgotten moldy grain? This has also the same symptoms you are describing and is the reason I hesitated on posting advice since you said you were going to treat as if for gapeworm and it may have been that too.

Please remember to give the electrolytes (and handfeeding formula) at a lukewarm temp

 

[sammi]

this is not meant as a diagnosis, just to give the information you asked for about some symptoms of egg bound hen:

The bird seems very restless
She visits the nest regularly in an attempt to lay her egg
She will drink little and eat little
She will tend to stand all hunched up
she might have a penguin stance (tho this in itself can be symptomatic of other conditions)
The oviduct may protrude due to excessive pushing by her to eject the egg; internal hemorrhage or exhaustion may occur and the fowl may die
She may smell badly
Her vent might look quite red and protrude
She may have fecal matter that has built up behind the egg, if you see white liquid that could be her urates trying to pass.

my thought is that it appears more likely the hen is in respiratory distress.
and since you are getting information from dlh, best to consider her suggestions.


for future reference:
there is a product on the market that claims to help with some forms of respiratory distress, including aspergilliosis...called Oxine..
Oxine comes in different formulas, so you'll need a specific formula.
it is a mist which can be used for chickens, and also can be used in coops.
I have not used this product, so can't give personal recommendation..but have seen recommendations for it at other sites.
if interested I can pm you a site with information about the product.

fingers crossed for your hen.

 

[dlhunicorn]

sammi...that is a very good suggestion ... is the article you are speaking of the one by KJ Theodore? ??? I would go ahead and post the link. Cant hurt and might help in my estimation (I use VirkonS myself instead of the oxine >there is a very good article on that at The Poultry Site)...it is surely a better suggestion than vetRX!

 

[LinckHillPoultry]

BIG IMPROVEMENT SEEN TODAY!

Yesterday I didn't think she was going to make it much longer, today she isnt breathing with her mouth open and she is eating and drinking on her own and walking around! I'm so happy!

 

[sammi]

dlh...yes...it is KJ Theodore.

here is the link:

http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/page11.htm

note to mods or admin:
if this is improper, I apologize..

 

[LinckHillPoultry]

Well, my hen is back to normal, and has been like it for over a week. My question is since she is back to normal, and has been like that for over a week, should I move her back to her pen with the other chickens now? Or do you think I should give her until monday... I mean she looks fine.