Sudden change in hen, almost lifeless overnight. ???

[dweder]

I have an 8 month old Columbian Wyandott hen, who as of yesterday was at the top of the pecking order and completely healthy (or so I think). Up until they went to roost last night, she was crazy with her bullying behavior, eating like crazy, happy as ever.


This morning, I found her in a nesting-like position in the middle of the coop run on the ground, unmoveable even when I approached with breakfast. She is all fluffed up now, her comb has gone from dark red to like pink, won't eat, won't really move. When I pick her up, she closes her eyes and doesn't fuss. I would describe her as very near lifeless.

No discharge, no molting, no bugs to be found, poop is semi-normal, vent is not inflammed or prolasped.

?????? Are these symptoms common to a virus? Is this a broody behavior? Could she be eggbound with such listless behavior?

Greatly appreciate any ideas or suggestions on what I should look for.

 

[chkn]

I wonder if she's eggbound?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Makes me wonder the same. you can try bringing her in and giving her a good 30min. warm soak, and keeping her in a quiet warm place on a heating pad or warm towel to see if with all the relaxation she might pass it. Be sure to dry her after so she won't chill.

 

[dweder]

Dumb question, but how much of her "bottom" do I soak in warm water?

Sorry, first chicken soak.

 

[Miss Lydia]

put her in over her legs, but watch her because she'll probably go to sleep. don't want to lose your chicken on first soak.

forgot to ask has she been laying with out any problems?

 

[PepsNick]

Maybe Marek's? It happens very suddenly and is untreatable.

 

[OrphanNanny]

When I've had to give my chickens a soak, I use a 3 or 5 gallon bucket and just fill it about 6-8 inches of nice warm water. Then I wheeled her around in a cart while I was milking the cows, just to keep an eye on her. She did fall alseep for a while but she was kinda just floating there when all of a sudden she was ready to get the heck out and started flapping her wings and trying to jump out...the bucket's tall sides prevented her from getting out while all wet and potentially hurting herself. Let her out and she then left a HUGE poo right there on the floor of the barn (no worries though, the barn's used to getting pooed on...lol) Did it again the next day, same ending, still never did see an egg come out (if she even WAS eggbound) but she's fine now, maybe she just needed some "me" time alone, away from the other mother cluckers

 

[Miss Lydia]

Isn't one of the symptoms of mareks the leg out in front and paralysis?

 

[dawg53]

Put her in a container with warm water in it, half way up her sides. Gently massage her underside for about 10-15 minutes. After the massage, wear a plastic glove and put some olive oil on it and insert your finger into her vent checking for any obstruction or feelng for broken eggshell. If it's clear, lube the inside of her vent with olive oil so that it would be easier for an egg to slip out. The warm water and massage will help her innards expand and pass along the egg if there's one there. Good luck.

 

[dweder]

To answer Miss Lydia...

I am not sure how many days she has not layed. Definately not today. Unfortunately, I cannot quite tell which eggs belong to who each day, unless I see them in the nest.

Something else that I've noticed.....she hasn't pooped in the last 8 hours at all ?? Drinking now excessively....

I will attempt the soak shortly...