Sick hen - possible Blackhead (Histomoniasis) POOP PICTURE

[MamaHenSD]

I'm having a hard time determining my hen's illness. No respiratory or coccidiosis symptoms. Her poo is sulfur yellow, which is apparently a classic hallmark of Blackhead/Histomoniasis, which is mostly seen in turkeys. She and her sisters do get to free range in the backyard daily and we have lots of visiting birds. Possibly she picked it up from them.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what this could be besides Blackhead, and the best treatment? According to another post, a woman treated her turkeys with cayenne powder and it worked. I've been trying that for 2 days with no change in her health or poo.

 

[MrsBrooke]

It can also indicate Egg Yolk Peritonitis or internal laying.

MrsB

 

[MamaHenSD]

Thanks Mrs. B. I believe you are right. Can I ask how you (or others) would proceed if:

-additional vet expense was out of the question
-your chicken was eating enough but exhausted after expending energy eating
-chicken is usually enthusiastic when I walk into the bathroom, pecking at the shower stall glass, wanting out to visit

Because she still has energy, is it possible this can be overcome or is the outcome inevitable? From what I've researched online, even the most aggressive treatment is still a 50/50 chance of making it.

 

[MrsBrooke]

Sorry for the late reply. We've had Biblical flooding here in Texas, and there aren't enough tarps in the world right now.

You can do things to prolong her life, but the underlying cause won't change... unless you order Baytril online, but that will render her "useless" for eggs/meat/utility purposes. If that doesn't matter to you, and she's a pet, you COULD go that route... And then she'll either make it or she won't. It's also possible she could develop secondary issues due to her condition.

I am sorry for your troubles. To be honest, I would cull.

MrsB