To cull or not to cull

[roosterjerry]

I have a hen that has not been doing well. I have tried many things and nothing seems to help. sometimes she looks O.K. but most of the time not. She is the only hen I have that is not laying now. She does not move around much but I have seen her eating and drinking some. When I have seen her Poo it is a very little amount and watery. She it the first hen I got and I hate to do it if there is even a chance she will get better. It has been about three weeks with no signs of improvement. She had a shellless egg get "stuck" and I had to put on rubber gloves and remove it. The other hens were starting to peck at it. I put her in a cage by herself, gave her a warm bath I tried to give her some meds in her food and water. Nothing I have tried seems to help. I went to do the right thing if she is in pain or something. I have been considering it for a week I am just looking for some advice. Thanks

 

[NancyP]

This is a tough issue to deal with. All I can say is follow your heart. May you have peace with whatever you decide.
Nancy

 

[sammi]

what all do you feed?
how old is she?
what color are the runny droppings?

have you done a thorough check of the crop?
has she been wormed?
is the vent swollen, or hot?
is the comb hot?
does she appear "depressed" or hunched up?

sometimes soft shelled eggs are from lack of nutrients and calcium..
either improper diet, or something depleting her system, such as cocci or worms.
is she wheezing?

best to check the crop ..a slow, sour or impacted crop will cause them not to eat..they may peck at food, but not actually eat..
this seems to be indicated by her droppings.
lack of appetite can be caused by many things.
best to check at roost after they've eaten all day..it should feel full.
if not..she's not eating.
if full..re-check in the morning, it should be empty or flat.
feel for any lump or grainy feeling...or sour odor.
describe how the crop feels compared to other hens.
(like a water balloon, sift and squishy, etc..)

what meds have you given her?

I'll make suggestions after I get more info.

 

[roosterjerry]

Well they have laying mash and free choice grit and oyster shell. I also give them scratch from time to time. I would say they are spoiled food wise. They get a fair amount of treats. They get yogurt, grapes,hard boiled egg,sugar free apple sauce,sunflower seeds. They also free range and get bugs and worms and grass.Her runny droppings are mostly clear with some white.I think (not really sure) she is a pretty young hen maybe 2 years old. I have been checking her crop and it seems to be normal (feels full after eating) feels empty later. The one thing you hit right on the head is "does she appear "depressed" or hunched up?" yes she does indeed. She does not move around like she use to or like the other hens. I was also wondering if maybe it had something to do with the rooster. We did not have a Rooster until about two months ago maybe he injured her trying to mate? He is a young Rooster and has only been crowing for about three weeks. I see him trying to get some of the hens . I hate to get rid of her at the same time I hate that she might be in pain. I was going to cull her yesterday but then she perked up some her tail came up and she ate good and scratched around with the rest of the hens.

 

[sammi]

ok...
maybe this mix might help..

this amount is for 1 day, divide into 3 feeds for the day..give for 5 days along with regular feed as usual.

1 cooked egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon of honey or unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
3-4 tablespoons softened or water cooked oatmeal
enough layer feed to make the mix puffy, not soupy or gummy.

(this mix has certain nutrients that work together to help give and metabolize calcium)

poultry vitamins in water once or twice a week.

keep watch on the droppings, hopefully they will get better..
post back if they continue to be runny and white.

when you say "sugar free applesauce"..do you mean UNsweetened? or with a sweetener (such as aspertame)?
UNsweetened is much better.