sick silkie took a turn for the worse

[Nif]

I'm a new member, and found this forum as I was looking up symptoms that my silkie hen is experiencing. About 2 weeks ago my 1 yr old silkie hen started acting a little depressed, and shorty after that I noticed her feathers under her vent were pretty pasty, and a little stinky. Last Friday I brought her into the garage and set her up with a nice nesting area with some heat. (I'm in Ohio and its been pretty cold this winter) She seemed to be eating less and drinking excessively.
I found a few websites describing common diseases.
Her other symptoms (which have come on since I brought her inside) are foaming eyes, labored breathing, and white liquid droppings. I started making her mash with the chicken feed, and gave her a little bit of apple, lettuce bits, carrot bits, and she even ate yogurt. Also put colloidal silver, and some herbal drops in her water. I flushed her eyes with saline solution as they seemed a bit crusty after foaming, and she perked up and started eating. I thought she was getting better and then this morning she was laying on her side. I thought she had died, but when I picked her up she chirped and stood up, very weak. She really hasn't eaten or drank today, and is keeping her eyes closed, her breathing very labored. There's no goop coming from her nose or mouth, just the eyes. I fear she is on her way out, but I would really like to do all I can to save her. She has symptoms similar to Pullorum, but also kind of sounds like coryza.
I have had chickens for about 5 years now with absolutely no sickness...I bought 2 silkies this summer, and they were not cheap! I love this little hen, she is the sweetest thing, her name is Minihaha.
Any help or advise would surely be appreciated!! I hate to see my babies suffer.
Thank you

 

[Chicken Woman]

Nif,

IM so sorry for what you and your silkie are going through.
It's always so hard when we lose an animal that we love
so much.
Please know that all of the BYC members are here for you
as you need to talk.

Blessings Lori

 

[#1California Chick]

Welcome to BYC. I am SO sorry that you had to come to us under such difficult conditions. I am sorry that I cannot help you with the problem. I don't currently have chicks, but they are on order!!!

I hope that someone here can give you some good advice!

Cindy

 

[peepsnbunnies]

Glad to have you here! I am sorry it is under these circumstances with a sick chickie. Those symptoms do sound like coryza to me. I am not too good with chicken diseases. Hopefully "silkiechicken" one of our Moderators, will chime in, or "dhlunicorn" may help when she comes online. Both of them are very good at helping sick chickies.
Hope your girl pulls through.

Lisa

 

[Nif]

Thanks for the welcome, everyone...this seems like a really cool forum. Unfortunately my little silkie is not improving.
I really don't know what is keeping her alive at this point, other than me keeping her warm and holding her to try and comfort her a little. I just feel like she is suffering and that is terrible. I have her silkie hen friend with her, because I didn't want to completely traumatize her bringing her in without another chicken, and they are best buds. SweetPea knows Minihaha is in trouble and she's keeping a close eye. But now, have I put SweetPea in danger of getting sick? She has absolutely no symptoms, and Minihaha's sickness came on pretty sudden. Could she have always had the virus coryza (it is a virus, correct?) and just now became ill? I think I got these 2 hens in July. I drove 2 hours to meet this woman who seemed very clean and reputable...I have never had a chicken become ill, so I need advice about whether to quarantine and how to disinfect. Can humans, dogs, or cats contract coryza or Pullorum?
Even if I lose this hen, which I hope I don't, I would be more than willing to do what I can to immunize the rest of the flock, I have the 2 silkies, 6 cochins (2 roos, 4 pullits), a Polish mix roo, and 6 other laying hens of various breeds.
The 4 cochin hens are recent members, I have had them a few months and they look and act perfectly healthy. The cochins are separate from the rest of the flock.
Thanks to all, and thanks for the kind words!
Jennifer

 

[Nif]

Minihaha is no longer with us, I am deeply bummed. So is SweetPea, she kept her comfy during her last breaths and seemed very sad when she died.
I am obviously concerned about the health of the rest of the flock. I won't put SweetPea back in the flock until I get the ok from someone who knows more than I. None of the other chickens are exhibiting any symptoms what-so-ever.
I would also like to send the body out to be tested, if that is possible. If anyone has any advice to that affect I would appreciate it!
Now I need to find a few silkies for SweetPea.

 

[peepsnbunnies]

Awww, I am so sorry you lost your Minihaha girl.

I would definitely keep Sweetpea seperate away from the flock for at least a week to 10 days in case she comes down with something. She probly will not be happy about that, I would pay special attention to her with extra treats to make her happy.

Also, make sure you wash your hands after you touch Sweetpea, and before you take care of the rest of your chickies, you don't want to spread anything (if there is a virus). Good Luck with Sweetpea.

Lisa

 

[Nif]

Thanks Lisa Minihaha will be missed! She was very sweet and easy to handle. She was named Minihaha for her lack of feathers on her feet...thought she needed a good Native American name (my husband came up with that one).
I have been washing my hands so much they are peeling...doesn't help with already dry and cracked barn hands!
But I have been very diligent about that.
I have SweetPea set up in the garage and have been giving her lots of attention. She gets lots of special treats too, which she loves.
So far she looks perfectly healthy and feels strong when I pick her up. I will keep her in the garage for at least a week.

 

[BayCityBabe]

Sorry for your loss. I would also advise to keep Sweetpea separate. Sounds like Minihaha had something that needed antibiotics. Call your local extension office to see if they can handle a necropsy. Take care.



edited for spelling...

 

[Guitartists]

Sorry I cannot offer any info..... but I'm sorry your little gal is gone.

I have had a couple of instances where only one bird gets sick and no one else does. I think some just have a harder time fighting off things compared to their coop mates.