sick hen

[JudyCl]

Hi everyone, Sorry that my first post is one looking for help but since yesterday morning one of my 3 hens is sitting or laying in the corner of the coop and doesn't want to join the others. I've looked her over and the only thing that seems odd is that her vent just keep moving in and out (almost like a heartbeat...)and she's hunched over some. I've been giving her liquid baby vitamins, pediatlyte, olive oil, vitamin e and even some Raw goat's milk. She drinks what I give her from the dropper and seems happy for it. I've also given her some canned pumpkin in case she has a belly ache.

I was happy to see that she took a couple drinks of water last night and even pecked at the pumpkin this morning. Not sure what else I can do. I did check with a latex glove last night and did not feel and egg. I think she layed one yesterday morning though at some point because I had 3 eggs and only have 3 chicks. Thanks in advance! Judy

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm sorry to hear about your sick hen. Just so you know, a hen's vent almost always is pulsing in and out somewhat, but if it is doing more than usual, it usually means the hen is trying to lay an egg. I know that you stuck your finger in and tried to feel an egg, but in some cases, that isn't always accurate. If it were me, I would give her a warm, 15-minute long soak in a shallow tub of water. No need to soak her entire body, just her lower half. This should cause her to pass a stuck egg. Maybe take some oil or Vaseline and lubricate the inside and outside of the vent, as well.

Of course, it might have nothing to do with her being egg bound. Are any of her droppings bloody, watery, or otherwise unusual? Look her over carefully. Does she have any unseen injuries, nasal discharge, or labored breathing? Is she thin? Does she walk kind of upright, like a penguin? Once you answer those questions, I should be able to give you more help.

 

[JudyCl]

She does seem a little thin but everything else seems just fine. She's not walking like a penguin but is keep her tail feathers down and wants to lay or sit more than she wants to stand. Her poo has a bit of green and white to it but I haven't seen her go since yesterday. I'm going to go and try the bath right now. Thanks for getting back to me.

 

[JudyCl]

She does seem a little thin but everything else seems just fine. She's not walking like a penguin but is keep her tail feathers down and wants to lay or sit more than she wants to stand. Her poo has a bit of green and white to it but I haven't seen her go since yesterday. I'm going to go and try the bath right now. Thanks for getting back to me.

 

[BantamLover21]

She does seem a little thin but everything else seems just fine. She's not walking like a penguin but is keep her tail feathers down and wants to lay or sit more than she wants to stand. Her poo has a bit of green and white to it but I haven't seen her go since yesterday. I'm going to go and try the bath right now. Thanks for getting back to me.

You're welcome. Maybe the warm bath will help, and you won't need to even look at the rest of this post, but if not, onto some more questions.

Is she eating? If she isn't that could explain her not producing any droppings. If she isn't eating, try to tempt her to by giving her scrambled or hard boiled eggs, applesauce, dampened feed, fruit, or bread soaked in liquid. Also, feel her crop. Is it hard or overly large/squishy, and is there any foul odor coming from her mouth?

Good luck! I hope that we can figure out what is wrong!

 

[JudyCl]

She had a good stool movement after the bath and she's acting much more like herself. My biggest concern right now is that she seems thin. I'm not sure if not feeling well made her lose weight or vice versa. She took some liquid vitamins and pedialyte through the dropper today and was happy eating some bread. I know it's not the most nutritious thing but I think she needs calories. I scrambled her an egg but she didn't like it. I saw her eat a little bit of her layer pellets yesterday and drink from her waterer so I think she'll be okay if I can just get her to fatten back up

 

[BantamLover21]

She might have worms, as they can cause chickens to be thin and weak. You should worm her, if possible. I use a wormer known as the Worminator (you can find it here: http://www.twincitypoultrysupplies.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=584), but other choices include Valbazen, Safeguard, and Ivermectin. The Worminator works on all worms, except tapeworms, and is licensed for use on poultry. The dosage for large-fowl is two drops administered orally. The egg withdrawal period is only 24-48 hours, which is another benefit.

And yes, I agree that she does need calories. Give her whatever she'll eat.

 

[JudyCl]

Thanks so much for the information. I just ordered the wormer that you suggested. I'll just keep handfeeding whatever she'll eat. It was good to see her pecking around yesterday with the others instead of just hanging behind looking sad...

 

[JudyCl]

Do you give wormer to all of your chickens? If so, how often? Thanks again!!

 

[BantamLover21]

Do you give wormer to all of your chickens? If so, how often? Thanks again!!

I give the wormer to all of my chickens. I do it in the spring/early summer, and then again in late fall/winter. So twice a year. And you are welcome! If you have any other questions, just ask.