Something is not right --please help with sick chicken :(

[threehorses]

Great on the egg! At this point, it is still a mystery. Just keep doing exactly as you are, keep giving her things that boost her energy and health: her vitamins, good food, yogurt. Keep looking for any sign that might lead us in a more clear direction - it's so tricky with chickens, really.

She might just be having a very hard time of it.

 

[kellykate]

Ok threehorses --I'll keep on it! Right now she is on a mix of Blue Seal organic grower and layer. Oyster shell is free-choice. I've been giving her Greek yogurt with a little ground flax on it and a handful of scratch grains in the run. There is ACV in the plastic waterer in the run.

I pulled her aside yesterday and gave her some scrambled eggs. Anything else that I should offer --anything you recommend? What electrolytes do you suggest to add to her water?

Also I am having a hard time determining if she (actually would be good to know for all my chickens) are a healthy weight --they look very puffy and healthy but sometimes when I pick them up I can feel their breastbones -- does that mean they are too thin? THANKS!!

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
On weight, the backyard birds won't feel like a broiler. You do want to feel their breastbone, but with good flesh on either side. You shouldn't feel cleavage where the breastbone is inside the valley of the cleavage - that's over weight. The bird's chest should feel about like the keel of a well rounded boat - where the keel is evident, but not sharp. If it feels a bit like a spatula, the bird probably needs more weight.

The feed youo're using is good stuff, I've heard, The diet seems appropriate, and ground flax is awesome. Scratch like you feed it is wonderful. I'd do just a poultry packaged electrolyte. Aviacharge is supposed to be quite good. Nutri Drench for poultry is a wonderful product and has vitamins, minerals and amino acids - that might be a good thing to have or as an alternative to polyvisol.

 

[dlhunicorn]

I would separate her to an area where you can monitor her and where you can be assured she will not be frightened by something unexpected so as to force her to move ... if there IS an injury (perhaps a hip displacement or such > who knows) then keeping her separated and ensuring limited movemovent will help (thinking about her trying to attempt to reach the rafters or other roost and damaging things further) > you can also monitor her symptoms better.

 

[kellykate]

Just wanted to update -- my Australorp is doing wonderfully! No more sitting or acting strange. She is back to her good ol' self. Still have no idea what the problem was but it resolved itself! Thanks for all the help! You all are great!

 

[threehorses]

I'm curious - do you now see evidence of a recent molt?

 

[kellykate]

nope - absolutely nothing! She didn't molt or have any mites/lice. She always continued to eat, drink and poop normally which really kept my hopes up. She began laying and about 2 weeks after her first egg she was back to her normal self. I am thinking maybe it was a leg or hip thing? Just not sure -- I think it will always be a bit of a mystery to me! All I can say is I am thankful she is back to her normal-self -- and so enjoying her lovely brown eggs! Threehorses -- thanks so much for your help! you know when you are worried it is just nice to have someone's advice -- things to try to keep you chipping away at the problem! You're the best!

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
I definitely know the feeling of relief just to have someone there to stand beside you during worrisome times - which is why I do it, or try to.

It's no problem really. But thank you.