Sick Hen; New Question, pg 5

[d.k]

*thanks for hopping on Rooster Red. thank you, thank you!

 

[rooster-red]

I think gape worms are white, but if you see any worms attached to the inside of the throat I would assume gape worms.

Please don't treat before confirming because if an animal has a different illness that has weakend them the worm treatment can stress them even more and actually harm it.

Have you tried apple cider vineger in the water (ACV)? This helps the immune system and can't hurt at this point.

Treating respiratory illnesses in chickens can be tricky, I've not had to treat for this so I hope someone who has will come along and help.

 

[LinckHillPoultry]

I've been looking on websites about respiratory infections and diseases in chickens. My hen has a lot of the symptoms from laryngotracheitis.

The classical signs are gasping, coughing and sticking the neck forward and upwards with each breath in an effort to clear the mucus which builds up in the trachea (windpipe)
She has the coughing, gasping, and she sticks her neck forward.

 

[rooster-red]

Does she have any discharge from the nose or mouth?

 

[rooster-red]

This site might help http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp

 

[d.k]

She could also be moving thick food out of her crop with the same type of behavior though. IS YOUR GARAGE-- THE AIR IN THERE-- IS IT REALLY DRY?? What I'm thinking is that you treat her like a kid with brochitis, warmth & humidity-- might ease her breathing. . . WHAT DO YOU THINK, RR??

 

[LinckHillPoultry]

No mucus or any kind of those discharges. She sneezes some. The garage air is dry... not to the point that your skin is drying out... not really any water in the air down there.

 

[d.k]

If its mucus or chest congestion- warmth & humidity ought to help, LHP-- do you have a humidifier???

 

[d.k]

*here's what I suggest until we get some more experienced help. Move her into the bathroom, add some warm moisture by running hot water in the shower. DON'T let it get too hot or to steamy. It's just an experiment to see if it'll ease her breathing; Try it for, say, 1/2 hour or so. . . IF IT DOES HELP--THEN, KEEP HER SOMEPLACE *WARMER* THAN THE GARAGE. MAYBE THE KITCHEN?? ALSO, Make SURE she can drink as I told you. O.K.?? You might get some Dasani water if & when you go to the store **AND DILUTE IT**!! 1 PART DASANI/ 9 PARTS WATER; ADD to the diluted Dasani, *A PINCH* OF SUGAR AND A PINCH OF SALT per 1O ounces & see if she'll drink, o.k. ??? This mix covers electrolytes pretty thoroughly. I'LL CHECK POSTS AGAIN AT 11 P.M., O.K.??

 

[hinkjc]

Do you have any other birds with these symptoms or have you had any losses recently? Respiratory is often contagious and typically runs thru a flock. Check your other birds carefully..observe their behavior and listen to them as well. You will usually find a sign if someone else is coming down with something. Otherwise, I am hesitant to say its respiratory.

Is she a layer? When has she laid last? Could she be egg bound?

I'm not saying anything that has been discussed is wrong..just want you to consider other things that may be going on. I would not medicate either until you have a good idea of what you are dealing with. ACV in the water is a good idea tho since it is natural.

Jody