Sick hen(?)

[PennyM16]

Yes, I would keep her separate from the others- it can spread through infected dander. And to be on the safe side, I would clean their coop, waterer and feeder. Try Googling 'Merek's disease in chickens'. Sounds like vaccinating them for it doesn't help prevent the disease.

Well she’s never been in with my hens. I just took her from a friend because she couldn’t take care of her

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

There is a cutaneous form of Merek's that possibly could've caused the skin growth on her beak. Most certainly keep her away from the other chickens, and keep your chicken coop as clean as possible.

 

[PennyM16]

There is a cutaneous form of Merek's that possibly could've caused the skin growth on her beak. Most certainly keep her away from the other chickens, and keep your chicken coop as clean as possible.

Got it

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Tell your friend to clean her coop. A clean coop is vital! Merek's disease can be spread.

 

[PennyM16]

Tell your friend to clean her coop. A clean coop is vital! Merek's disease can be spread.

Alright I will- none of the other chickens have shown any signs of it, how long would it take for any of them to get it if that’s what it was?

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

According to internet research, the best way to prevent Merek's is to purchase only vaccinated chicks, keep the coop as clean as possible and well ventilated, and separate the sick ones. Merek's disease can leave a chicken paralyzed. Says some chickens that come into contact with the disease won't show and symptoms. It is transmitted by inhaling virus-laden dander. Putting some vitamins and electrolytes in her water may help.

 

[Helloworld]

Guys, as a nurse, it sounds like this chick is on the way out. She seems to be Kussmaul breathing from the way she describes the pattern and respiratory noise. If breathes look like she is gasping for air with beak wide open and breaths are far apart then probably so. This breathing pattern occurs right before death.I would get her a box and put a heating pad for her on low and see what happens. Syringe feed pedialyte, gator aid etc. cover her and keep an eye on her. The chickens probably have made her worse because they know she is injured. Also, the areas where she is wounded are places chickens can kill the quickest.

I have seen this beak wound somewhere else though. I had a chick that had been injured by them pipping the egg for the chick to hatch early. I noticed it upon arrival but I cared for the wound and it seemed to be good. Unbeknownst to me, scar tissue built around edges and down sealing close back part of beak. I used wonder dust and got scar tissue thinner but other chickens saw wound immediately. In 1 hr, they pierced at her ear lobe, another kill spot and had removed every feather on half her neck on the back of it. She was in a coop of 8. I lost her.

Your pics don’t look good but I do hope this bird can bounce back but she has a neck injury, hasn't eaten or drank in a week and I don’t feel good about this.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

As poorly as she does look, having her put to sleep may the most humane thing to do.

 

[PennyM16]

Guys, as a nurse, it sounds like this chick is on the way out. She seems to be Kussmaul breathing from the way she describes the pattern and respiratory noise. If breathes look like she is gasping for air with beak wide open and breaths are far apart then probably so. This breathing pattern occurs right before death.I would get her a box and put a heating pad for her on low and see what happens. Syringe feed pedialyte, gator aid etc. cover her and keep an eye on her. The chickens probably have made her worse because they know she is injured. Also, the areas where she is wounded are places chickens can kill the quickest.

I have seen this beak wound somewhere else though. I had a chick that had been injured by them pipping the egg for the chick to hatch early. I noticed it upon arrival but I cared for the wound and it seemed to be good. Unbeknownst to me, scar tissue built around edges and down sealing close back part of beak. I used wonder dust and got scar tissue thinner but other chickens saw wound immediately. In 1 hr, they pierced at her ear lobe, another kill spot and had removed every feather on half her neck on the back of it. She was in a coop of 8. I lost her.

Your pics don’t look good but I do hope this bird can bounce back but she has a neck injury, hasn't eaten or drank in a week and I don’t feel good about this.

Oh my friend was mistaken about the wide open beak and wailing noises- her beak was sealed shut

 

[PennyM16]

She seems to be doing a little better after eating and drinking a little... we’ll see, I guess. Her breathing has gone from really short, fast breaths to long, slow breaths. Hopefully that’s a good thing? I haven’t given up hope on her just yet enough to put her to sleep.