To The Vet or No?

[MutthaClucker]

Hello BYC Community,


This morning when I woke up and let the chickens out of the coop, one of our chickens would not leave the coop to come down with the rest of the girls to eat breakfast. This particular Hen is roughly 22 weeks old, has not laid eggs to date and is a Bared Rock.

She sat in there for over an hour, and we never saw her eat or drink anything once we removed her from the coop. Her crop feels normal if a bit empty, her comb and waddle are still bright red, but she is not her normal self, and is not keeping up with the flock around the yard. She has just sat under our lime tree all day.

Being a new chicken owner, I am not sure weather or not to take her to the vet, or wait for a day or two to see if things improve on their own. Our chickens free range in the backyard all day, so there is a possibility that she could have eaten something that she should not have.

This girl is the sweetest of our mini flock which raises my concern as she is really the chicken we plan to keep as a pet long term.

Any suggestions? Should I take her to the Vet or wait?

 

[casportpony]

If you can afford to, go to the vet.

-Kathy

 

[MutthaClucker]

I love her, but really can't afford tons of money for tests, which every vet always wants to do. Any practical advice for things to try? Her poop seems very watery, she is lathargic and does not want to eat or drink.

 

[whoop whoop]

Welcome to BYC, I am sorry that you have a sick chook - and I know exactly what you mean about vets. Can you not try and sift through all the info on this site - the guys here are much better than vets. I would love to help but not qualified being a new chicken owner myself.
I can suggest that she maybe not getting enough to eat, but call on Two Crows or Michael O'Shay they, plus others know everything!!
I am thinking of you good luck..

 

[casportpony]

I love her, but really can't afford tons of money for tests, which every vet always wants to do. Any practical advice for things to try? Her poop seems very watery, she is lathargic and does not want to eat or drink.

Can you post a picture of her poop?

-Kathy

 

[MutthaClucker]

I can and will once I get home from work. Thanks Kathy!

 

[MutthaClucker]

Here is the glamorous poop shot.

 

[casportpony]

Here is the glamorous poop shot.

If she were mine I would tube fluids, worm with Safeguard, start antibiotics, tube more fluids, then fluids and Kaytee Baby Bird Food. Might also treat for coccidiosis with Corid.

-Kathy

 

[MutthaClucker]

Good news is that she ate and drank some this afternoon. She seemed much more active this evening as well. We have her separated from the other chickens and will monitor how she is doing in the morning. We plan to get some electrolyte supliment from the feed store in the morning as well as some medicated feed. Should we be providing some other form of antibiotics?

 

[casportpony]

Good news is that she ate and drank some this afternoon. She seemed much more active this evening as well. We have her separated from the other chickens and will monitor how she is doing in the morning. We plan to get some electrolyte supliment from the feed store in the morning as well as some medicated feed. Should we be providing some other form of antibiotics?

What type of medicated feed is it? If it's chick feed with amprolium it will treat nothing.You could go the conservative route and just treat for worms with and coccidiosis with Corid.

-Kathy