Sick little girl

[noodlenest]

My little hen isn't feeling very good. Been going on for a few days. Not really eating, she does still enjoy her scratch. Still pooping. Layes down alot with labored breathing. Feathers are more puffed out. Appears to stand more upright, if that is possible. Rubbed alot of the feathers off on her underside, dragging her tail. eyes look tired/sad. Thought at first it was molting time, but don't think so. Thank you for any thoughts. Janet

 

[noodlenest]

UPDATE: the other gals have gone "upstairs" for the night. She has decided to sleep on the ground under the house.
Thanks again
Janet

 

[Kyzmette]

Janet, it's hard to tell with those symptoms. Does she make noises when she breathes? Is there snot on her beak? Have you checked inside her beak for sores? Hows the feel of her abdomen and crop? Is there a foul odor coming from her mouth? What's the color and texture of her poop?

Check around her vent and under her wings for lice or mites (mites are teeny tiny, so look close for anything moving). Colonies of mites look like dirt or dirty dust bunnies in the feathers around the vent. Also check her poop for worms. If you haven't wormed your chickens, you might want to pick up some wormer and just do it, because worms can do a lot of damage and most people never realize their chickens have them.

 

[noodlenest]

Thank you for all the suggestions, will start checking with the mites. Have a great day. Janet

 

[ten chicks]

Have you checked her for being egg bound? Have you recently added any new birds?

 

[noodlenest]

She has red mites, got some powder and gave her a good dusting. Thanks. Janet

 

[Kyzmette]

Let us know if it helps or if you have any other questions. If it wqs a severe infestation, you might consider increasing her protein for a couple of weeks, like with mashed up boiled egg and yogurt.

 

[noodlenest]

Sick little girl passed away during the night. Thank you for your suggestions. Now to dust everyone else and clean the house, as soon as the wind stops blowing.

 

[Kyzmette]

Oh no! Oh, I'm so sorry to hear. My heart goes out to you.