sick pullet...eyes closed...very lethargic...whats wrong???

[bkterry]

I have a 3 month old light brahma pullet who has been acting abnormally for the past 2 or 3 days. Yesterday I put her in her own cage so I could keep an eye on her droppings and separate her from the rest of the flock. One of her piles of droppings looked to have just a touch of blood in it but the other 3 or 4 piles didn't. I've felt her crop and it seems to be emptying fine. She is a bit smaller then the other 3 brahmas I have who are the same age as her, but up until recently she has been very social and outgoing usually jumping up on my shoulder or lap for attention. In the last couple days she has stayed mostly in the coop not leaving to free range with the other chickens and will stand still or sit with her right eye closed. When I pick her up she will close both eyes. She seems very lethargic and if the other chickens come running to the coop she will lose her balance seem almost drunk acting like she can't stand up. She does eat and seems eager to do so when I throw feed out but she doesn't search for food with the rest of the flock. She doesn't have any apparent injuries and nothing traumatic has happened to her. Does anyone know what this sounds like??? Not sure what to do, but I definitely don't want to lose her!!!

 

[ruth]

Is it very hot where you live - could she be suffering from heat and/or dehydration? She may need some elecrolites.

If lethargic and sleepy it never hurts, and often helps, to give Poly-Vi-Sol (liquid baby vitamin/supplement) - a couple of drops in beak. There are products specific to chickens like AviaCharge that must be ordered but in a pinch - Poly-Vi-Sol works wonders and is all I've ever used.

 

[bkterry]

yeah, it has been in the high 80's and low 90's for the last couple of weeks. she seems to be doing a bit better today, and actually got out with the other chickens a bit. i might try that and see if it works. i've heard of using pedialyte too, ever used it?

 

[sammi]

people do use Pedialyte in a pinch..(diluted)
..but the commercial mixes are best..
a mix by durvet is good.

the combination of electrolytes and vitamins is helpful.

 

[dlhunicorn]

If you have not ever wormed your birds, may I suggest now a good time to do so? When they are feeling poorly from heatstress (or other illness) worms are usually sure to follow (your sick gal may also be suffering from them>cappillaria will often produce bloody droppings)

 

[bkterry]

Thanks for all of the advice guys...she is doing much better and I think she's going to pull through! I probably will go ahead and worm them now also