Sick Hen

[Jasper_899]

1) What type of bird , age and weight.
Standard Golden Laced Wyandotte , 10 months and about 4-5lbs

2) What is the behavior, exactly.
She has a weird limp but she will walk around and try to eat, but she seems off balance when she tries to scratch. Her wings are hanging down and her tail is lower than usual. She looks uncomfortable and all puffed up. Her crop is empty also. and she seems lighter than usual.

3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms?
About a week now and is getting worse.

4) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma.
Nope

5) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation.
Im not sure it was very random. Im guessing she has either tried to become broody or is egg bound.

6) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all.
Somewhat, but hardly any at all.

7) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc.
It is runny but I have not checked today.

8) What has been the treatment you have administered so far?
Nothing I tried bringing her in to relax but she just became even more uncomfortable I was surprised she even laid a small white egg in the kennel.

9 ) 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?
I would like to treat her myself

10) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.
Coming soon.

11) Describe the housing/bedding in use
Pine shavings in a 10x12 coop with 10 other chickens.


I'm worried it could be contagious and my dad said I need to do something before the other chickens start exhibiting the same symptoms.

Thanks,
Jasper

 

[Kittymomma]

Well, with the limping I'd start by giving the bad foot a good soak and cleaning. When you've finished that take a good look at the bottom and see if there is a scab there. If that is the case you're dealing with bumblefoot and will need to put on your doctor hat. There are some very good threads on it that have step-by-step instructions and pictures too. Isolate her, maybe with a buddy so you can give her some extra treats (scrambled eggs are good) to perk up her appetite and help her to regain her strength.

 

[Mrs.Puff]

This could also be a sign of Marek's disease, or maybe visceral gout. I had a hen die of gout (not contagious) very suddenly. The kidneys give out (usually due to too much calcium when young) and they get all swollen. The hen's insides were all white and gritty looking when I opened her up. Apparently the kidneys press on the spine and can cause some paralysis and floppy walking.

Mareks can often be detected by "grey eye". I don't know lots about it, so you might do some research. The iris of the eye turns grey i guess.

Hope you have some luck!

Check for bumblefoot first though.

 

[Kittymomma]

How is she doing?