Suddenly very sick hen!

[Mysto]

My hen was fine this morning and tonight is limp, nearly non-responsive, eyes closed, comb darker than normal, but breathing. I put her in a cardboard box and brought her in the house. Does anyone have any advice on what to do for her or my other hens? I rescued her about 2 years ago so am not sure of her age. thanks!

 

[sammi]

could she be egg bound?
when did she last lay?
any drainage from vent? any swelling?
where was the hen when you found her?

describe the droppings..color and consistency..

 

[Mysto]

she was laying right outside of the nesting boxes. It looked as though she may have poo'd once and then was laying in it - color was normal. I have other chickens, so I'm not sure when she last laid an egg?

 

[Mysto]

also, i don't see any swelling??

 

[sammi]

this hen could be egg bound.
feel the belly/vent area for any swelling..or drainage from vent.
is she responsive now?
can she eat or drink?
electrolytes may help...if you don't have commercial mix on hand..diluted Pediolyte will do (some people use unflavored, some use red)...give drops on beak.
if she will eat..crush 1/2 a TUMS into the feed, or get some liquid calcium..

try sitting her on a warmed towel..(a microwave works to warm the towel..not too hot!!)
and set her somewhere dim and quiet.

what all do you feed the chickens?
have they been wormed?

hope your hen pulls thru..finding her collapsed isn't a good sign..
but fingers crossed..

maybe others here can offer more suggestions.

 

[Mysto]

My hen, Daisy, just passed. Thank you, sammi, for all of your advice...I really appreciate it and I am so happy to know this site is here. Hopefully next time I'll have some happy chicken talk to chat about. Thanks again.

 

[sammi]

I'm sorry you lost your girl ..
it really sounds like she was eggbound and was far gone when you found her.

this is a good site..

you can also post to me at my signature link.

 

[FarmerDenise]

So sorry about Daisy.

 

[Mysto]

thank you everyone....this IS a great site. I'm sorry Daisy had to get so sick before I found it. She was a rescued girl who was fending for herself in a vacant lot before I took her home and got to spoil her rotten.

 

[FarmerDenise]

So you did good by her and she had a good life with you.
Welcome to this great forum. You'll find us very supportive and doing our best to help each other.