Sick hen

[Osofarm11]

My 2 year old BLR Wyandotte has been acting pretty lethargic these past few days. She still continues to walk around a bit with her flock but she tends to just be puffed up with closed eyes. I’ve been trying to give her nutri-drench but she won’t swallow it. Barley eats and drinks and seems weaker overall. Normally it’s a battle to try and grab her but lately she doesn’t really care. I don’t know what else to do, does anyone why any idea to help her?

 

[rlschroeder]

Sorry to hear this. It’s hard when you know they’re not themselves and you’re not sure what’s wrong or what to go. Do you have a syringe that you use to give her the nutri-drench? If so, I’d use that to get some down her. If she’s so lethargic she’ll probably let you open her beak without too much trouble.

How’s her egg laying? Has she stopped? If so, gently check her abdomen to feel for an egg that could be stuck. You should be able to feel it if it’s there. If she’s still laying that’s a good sign. How’s her breathing? Labored or raspy? Hens are very susceptible to respiratory and reproductive/egg-laying issues. I assess for those first.

 

[Bawkbok]

If you think she is egg bound, you could try giving a 300 mg Calcium with D3 tablet. It is a large pill but they can swallow it no problem. You will need to place it in her beak. This may help with contractions if she is trying to lay an egg.

Have you felt under her belly between her legs? Is it hard like a rock, soft, squishy? Is she standing like a penguin? What does her poop look like?

It's important to keep her hydrated. You can use a diabetic syringe (no needle), free at most pharmacies, and try and syringe probiotics into her beak a few drops at a time. you can also offer some scrambled egg and see if she will eat that.

I would remove her from the flock to protect her from being pecked by others, perhaps in a dog crate. Keep her in a quiet place. Sometimes a bird in a weakened state can be picked on by flock mates.

There is no cure for a reproductive issue, you can offer supportive care for as long as you deem appropriate.

I hope she recovers. Best wishes.