Sick Hen - Updated (2 times)

[moleary97]

Evidently one of my hens is doing really poorly. There is a discharge coming from her tail-end (I'm pretty sure it's diarrhea) and her head is lolling to one side and twitching a bit. She's very weak - but her eyes are still open. We've isolated her in a pet carrier and put water in there. My wife is scrambling an egg up for her right now, but I don't really know what else to do.

When I palpated her belly some gas came out of her rear end. I really don't know much about chicken physiology, so I don't know if it came from her anus or somewhere else.

I'm leaning toward putting her down because I don't want her to suffer, but if she's just sick and its curable I'd hate to kill her for no reason.

Any ideas?

Update - I really don't think she can stand, and her neck seems to be sort-of stiffened in a down position. This came on VERY quickly. Less than 2-3 hours from being somewhat listless to totally weak.

Update #2 - I stuck her beak in water and she drank. She's also lifting her head now... probably because it was lift her head or drown (just kidding). She's slightly interested in the food, but doesn't seem to be able to eat it - I'm going to try mashing it up into crumbles.

 

[Backyard Hencam]

I can't believe that no has responded to your request for help. I'm sorry that I am not an expert on diseases but there are those on this site that are. It was good that you isolated her.

When I palpated her belly some gas came out of her rear end. I really don't know much about chicken physiology, so I don't know if it came from her anus or somewhere else.

I do know that the egg comes down one channel and that the poop goes down another, they join and both come out through the vent. I hope someone can tell you how to help her. Good luck!

 

[wyliefarms]

Not sure what it is. I would put some electrolytes in the water.

 

[Imp]

moleary97,
Sorry your hen is sick. I am no expert on disease, but will try to steer you in the right direction. The "My hen is weak" is unfortunately an all too common post, and often there isn't a great answer. I'll attach a link to a series of questions that might help the true experts help.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=3569

At the point that your chicken is sick. Doing anything is better than nothing.

For the diarrhea try giving her plain yogurt, an organic with live culture in it will help with the flora in the gut. Also anything she will eat is a good idea to keep up her strength, the scrambled egg is a good idea. You can add suger to the water to give her a little strength. If she won't voluntarily drink you may need to drop it in her beak with an eyedropper, a drop at a time. Do not force it.
I would give her Vitamins & Electrolites also. If a trip to a vet isn't an option, you can try anti-biotics. There are several, and I have no idea which to recommend. I'd start with terrimycin(sp) from the feedstore. You can try the others also. I would think speed is essential since it sounds like your hen declined fast. Hope this helps.

Good luck

Imp

 

[moleary97]

Thanks for the replies. While she may have been "curable" I believe she was suffering and without knowing what to do decided to put her down rather than let her deteriorate. I'll try to be better prepared next time, for the sake of the rest of the flock.

 

[Imp]

So sorry, Sounds like you made the right decision.

Imp

 

[Backyard Hencam]

I'm sorry. I have not had to go through that experience. My thoughts are with you.