Sick hen with hard throat. First medical problem.

[Backyard Hencam]

My 5 1/2 mo Wyandotte is lethargic. Hanging out alone in the back of the coop. She has what feels like a hard esophagus. Can't see anything caught in it. Her crop has very little in it. Comb is very dark red and she seems hot (even though it is cool here). Anyone out there that can give me some advice, please?

 

[kathyinmo]

Can you answer the questions here: The more you tell us, the better we will be able to help you.

1) What type of bird , age and weight.
2) What is the behavior, exactly.
3) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma.
4) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation.
5) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all.
6) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc.
7) What has been the treatment you have administered so far?
8 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet?
9) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.
10) Describe the housing and size /bedding type in use. How many birds?
11) Have you wormed your bird?
12) Have you checked for lice or mites?
13) Does your bird free range? Any access to compost, rotting vegetation, fungus, molds, toxins, standing puddles, etc?

 

[Backyard Hencam]

Thank you Kathy for responding. The little golden-laced Wyandotte roosted with the others last night and is sitting in a nesting box this morning. She may be laying her first egg and I don't want to disturb her to check her throat.

I feel a little foolish as her behavior yesterday may be related to laying and had nothing to do with her throat. I may have overreacted. I will keep a close watch on her to see if she becomes active and begins eating again.

Thank you for the 13 questions. I have bookmarked them so that if I have to post again concerning a sick hen, I will be more thorough. Our chicks have been healthy so far but one never knows what will come up.

Thank you again for your kind support. I will let you know of her condition at the end of the day.