Suddenly strange-acting, cold, limp hen - please help!

[Viergacht]

Activated charcoal can be found in the vitamin section of the store. It belongs in every chicken first aid kit. It will absorb toxins in the system if administered quickly after exposure. I would also give some milk of magnesia along with it for good measure as it also neutralizes poison. It's in my first aid kit, too.

A petroleum distillates is what I suspect killed this chicken. It may take a few days, but the source must be identified or you may lose more chickens.

Years ago, I was losing young chicks and older chickens were going lame. I finally identified my log splitter was leaking hydraulic fluid onto the ground, contaminating the soil and when chickens picked up grit, they were being poisoned. Years before that, I lost a few to insecticides before I smartened up some.

It's so very sad when our chickens die for our sins.

I hope it wasn't anything like that! We don't spray our lawn because of the birds, and I can't imagine where she would have gotten into a petroleum product since the only thing back there with a motor is the push mower and we keep that locked in a shed.

Sadly, she already passed but I'll inspect the yard tomorrow and see if anything looks suspicious.

 

[glassdragonfly]

So sorry!

 

[Eggcessive]

Newcastles has not been reported in or near Maryland, thank goodness. But it really can give some closure to know if it was something like a heart problem, organ failure, reproductive disorder, or others. Let us know if you get one, and any results that you get. We all learn from reading reports.

 

[glassdragonfly]

Rain can sometimes reconstitute insecticide that you sprayed days before, causing it to contaminate a puddle a chicken might drink from. It sickens and kills in just a few hours.

I've had this happen, ashamed to admit.

Thank you @azygous I would have never thought of this! We have rattlesnake weed in our goat pasture (deadly to goats,cattle,sheep and horses)! We will need to use weed killer in the spring to get rid of it,so I better check if this can happen.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

If it is a toxin..you need to get charcoal in her fast. We lost two ducks in three hrs last week because they drank oily water and some insulation from an old sink my husband pulled from one of our rentals..point is..it took three for them to die. Took eight to figure out why...looks for safe things to try that won’t hurt her...try B12 Try probiotics...if you think you can and want try charcoal..only thing it does is flush toxins..no side effects...we humans use it too..tons..call a pharm to check..but be proactive and good luck

When I wrote my post I had only head a few before mine..I had no idea that you lost her...I’m so sorry about this...I’ve buried a few very dear pets this summer, including our dog, it’s never easy..but maybe the knowing why will give you closer...so I’d listen to the guy telling you how to use this forums name to get it done..take and good luck..God will find you a new baby to care for

 

[Viergacht]

When I wrote my post I had only head a few before mine..I had no idea that you lost her...I’m so sorry about this...I’ve buried a few very dear pets this summer, including our dog, it’s never easy..but maybe the knowing why will give you closer...so I’d listen to the guy telling you how to use this forums name to get it done..take and good luck..God will find you a new baby to care for

I appreciate your help tho, that is definitely something to be aware of in the future!

 

[Quailobsessed]

I'm so sorry to hear this, I've lost many chickens from unknown sickness. The best thing you can do is inspect the rest of your flock and make sure none of them are sick.
All the best for you and your flock.

 

[ValerieJ]

So sorry!

 

[pennyJo1960]

I appreciate your help tho, that is definitely something to be aware of in the future!

I am sorry you lost glad it fast

 

[azygous]

Thank you @azygous I would have never thought of this! We have rattlesnake weed in our goat pasture (deadly to goats,cattle,sheep and horses)! We will need to use weed killer in the spring to get rid of it,so I better check if this can happen.

Don't confuse weed killer with insecticides, although they are both consider "pesticides". Most weed killers, yeah, including the evil Roundup, will not kill chickens unless you use something that has a petroleum base. They work by speeding up the life process of the plant and it literally outgrows itself.

Insecticides are neuro toxins and that's why they kill insects. But they will also effectively kill chickens. They also cause nerve damage to people.

The safest herbicide to use is 2 -4D. It has a half life of just a few days, and chickens can safely be pastured on it just a couple days after application. It's most likely the one you will be using as it does not affect grasses.