Silkie Hen Letharic/Won’t Eat

[Arielwisdom]

I have a 10 month old silkie hen that seems sick with little to no symptoms.

She’s not broody. She doesn’t really walk around. She won’t eat or drink. If she does, it isn’t much.

No other signs. The only things I’ve tried are Vit E/Selenium daily and Poultry Cell in waterer. Encouraged her to eat scrambled eggs but won’t.

No nasal discharge or sneezing. No weird poop. Crop always feels empty. No mites.

I dont know what else to try…

 

[azygous]

Your location would be helpful. So would a report of recent weather.

What do you feed her? Including treats? Does she free range? What does she eat? Any compost pile? If so, what is in it?

Has she been laying? If so, when was the last egg? Was it normal?

 

[Arielwisdom]

After research last night, I’m suspecting Cocci. I’ve started one dose of Corrid. She shows every symptom except bloody poop. Her poop actually looks normal.

I’m in Arkansas. Weather has been fine. Rainy at times but lately mostly dry.

She gets Nutrena feather fixer with little scratch. Some grub worms at times. She does not free range but I take her out for some time in grass about 15 mins a day.

No compost. I haven’t noticed an egg from her ever. But she used to be with other hens so it’s possible she was laying. She’s now separated in the house in a crate.

 

[azygous]

From your weather report, coccidiosis is probably the first thing I'd consider, too. Do treat the entire flock as this one may be just the first to show symptoms.

For a very sick chicken, the drench dose in addition to the Corid water is wise. That would be .1ml per pound of weight orally once a day for three days.

 

[Skipper Carnes]

If she is not eating, force feed her by opening her mouth and putting about 10 bites of egg in her. We had to do this one time with one of our hens. The hen will soon get that eating by themselves is the better side of the deal. Food right now is the most important. Go to tractor supply and buy some Nutri-Drench in a small bottle. In her water dish, put about 5cc of Nutri-Drench. Offer electrolytes-free choice. Buy VetRx as well and rub some all over her comb, under the wings, and around the nostrils. Keep the vent and the bedding clean. Cut of any soiled feathers around the vent area. Give her about half of a Fish Mox pill. Take the capsul apart and the smallest half of the capsule, open her mouth and dump it in. Wash her face every day to make sure nothing clogs her nostrils. Take her outside in a clean area with grass and no other hens for 30 minutes a day to encourage her to eat a bug or two.

Mix herbs such as garlic, cinnamon, tyme and oregano in with her water. That is all the information I have. I am truly sorry your hen is sick. Say some prayers for her, as I am saying one right now. Thank you for coming to BYC for help. There are many kindred spirits on here that are happy to help a hen in need. Please do not hesitate to take her to the vet if needed. Money doesn't outweigh the value of a living, breathing life with memories, emotions, and personal thoughts. I hope you and your hen only the best.