Sick hen

[Mumma_chook]

Hello I'm looking for some help.
My 2 year old isa brown is not moving. I got home from work and found her crouched down out of her box on the concrete. It was getting dark so I thought she had just gone to roost, but thought it was odd to be out of her box.

I picked her up to move her and she didn't cherp which usually I just say are you there chooky and she she gives me a cluck.
She opened her eyes briefly and then closed them again.
I've bought her inside where it's warm.
And put her in a box in front of the fire. I tried giving her water with a dropper but she didn't even swallow it.

About two weeks ago her sister was killed by a dog. And since then she has just been hiding in the bushes. She comes out when I'm in the backyard and pecks around with me. But she used to run over to me when I got home from work and now she just pops her head out.

She has a very dirty bottom that I have tried cleaning. And sloppy poo.
She isn't really interested in eating.

Is she heartbroken? Or is she sick. I've never seen her not move like this. Or not cluck when I talk to her....

 

[Mumma_chook]

I think she has egg peritonitis. I noticed last week her bottom looked weird and I bathed her bottom and tried to clean her. And it was opening and closing. I should of known then something was wrong.
I feel like she is too far gone now..:. I should of acted sooner.
My poor girl

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @Mumma_chook

I'm sorry your girl is not doing well.

Is her abdomen swollen - how does it feel - hard, soft, squishy, fluid filled, etc.?
When was the last time she laid an egg?
You mention her bottom looked weird - was this just because of the vent movement or swelling/bloat?

Try to get her cleaned up if she isn't too lethargic. Sometimes soaking in epsom salts does help give some relief and get things moving.

She may be dehydrated as well if she has been hiding. Offer her some electrolytes or poultry vitamins if you have them. After you get some water into her see if she will take a little chopped egg, tuna, sardines - something like that.

BTW - Welcome To BYC, we are glad you are here.

 

[Mumma_chook]

THANKYOU so much @Wyorp Rock for your reply.
Unfortunately my beloved girl did not make it.
I feel so terrible and sad.
I noticed her bahviot change it I thought it was because of her mate being killed.

I noticed her bottom quivering when I bathed it. I should have googled it furthered.
I so mad at myself. I have been working late so leave in the dark arrive in the dark so I had no idea how long she was like this. I know no more than a day.
I just feel soooo bad.
My girl relied on me and I let her down.
She had such a character always coming inside if the door was left open, pecking around me in the garden.
Getting into things she shouldn't.

I could of saved her, if I acted sooner.
I'm sooooo upset.

 

[Hybridchucks]

awww I'm sorry it was too late! RIP sweetie

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm so sorry

Don't beat yourself up. You brought her in, had her by the fire and she knew love and comfort before passing.

When a hen is ill with something like Peritonitis, most of the time they won't show signs of illness until it's quite advanced, often times, the only thing that can be done is give supportive care like you did.