Sick Roached Back Chicken

[Feliz]

This is the second chicken I've had in the last 4 months that has become sick. These are the exact same signs as last time. I can tell she is not herself because she has a roached back, her feathers are all puffed up and she waddles. She moves uneasily and can't fly herself up onto the terrace with the other chickens. A lot of common things I read is my chicken could be egg bound. But they usually die after 24-48 hrs if they do not pass the egg. She has been on a steady downhill slope for about 5 days with no signs of improving. Her poop is runny and she still has an appetite. I've also read that it can be dangerous to treat my chicken if I don't know what is wrong with her. I just bought Chicken Health for Dummies and am looking forward to getting more answers. But in the mean time any suggestions from seasoned chicken care givers would be So HelpFul!

 

[dawg53]

Roach Back is a deformity of the spine. It is genetic.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Is her abdomen swollen and balloon-like?

Is her crop empty in the morning?

 

[Feliz]

I haven't notice either but I will look today when I get home from work. If it is swollen could it be sour crop? If so what is the most useful treatment?

 

[Feliz]

I thought when chickens get sick it is one of the symptoms? This roached back just started when I noticed her not being herself.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I thought when chickens get sick it is one of the symptoms? This roached back just started when I noticed her not being herself.

You probably mean that she has a droopy tail??

Sometimes they droop their tails and wings when they are sick.

 

[Feliz]

Yes droopy tail. I was just reading that. New to this. Thank you

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I haven't notice either but I will look today when I get home from work. If it is swollen could it be sour crop? If so what is the most useful treatment?

I haven't dealt with sour crop but there are lots of threads on it.

Some use monistat and some use olive oil soaked bread (BYC threads mentioned these).

I don't know that much about it. It can be caused by a fungus.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Yes droopy tail. I was just reading that. New to this. Thank you

You are welcome!

When chickens look sick they are very sick, as they are experts at hiding that they don't feel well to protect from predation.