Before I get into the symptomology of what going on, I need to get everyone up to speed with a few facts. Our ladies bedding is changed once a week. Twice a week, there is food grade DE sprinkled in the bedding. Every other feeding, they are given DE right in their feed. There are NO outward signs or symptoms of parasites or any other living organisms.
The day in question started out as usual. I know ...it's starting to sound like a murder mystery. As soon as the doorway is open, all the ladies make a mad dash for the exit. While they are out, I can change all the feed and water without tripping over them. I have handled each and every hen since we got them, and they are used to vying for their place in line on my lap. Yes, I talk to them as well.
Later, when it was time to bring them in, I noticed one hen out in the middle of their run area. She was VERY lethargic, and huddled down hard, not wanting to move. She was soaked and covered in mud. Okay, now the E.M.T. in me kicked in. The FIRST thing I did was put her in the brooder where she could be warmed in private by the heat lamp. I sat with her for about an hour. Finally, she started to shiver. This is a good sign, as signs go. This meant that she was warming and starting to respond to treatment.
Today, although she is eating and drinking fine, she is still a bit listless. She has a "twitch" in her LEFT leg ONLY. She has a slight limp, but it didn't keep her from going full-tilt toward the opening today, which I shut before she .had a chance to escape. She is back in the brooder where she can be observed for progress/ problems.
Has anyone ever had a similar experience? If so, any thoughts on what next...
The day in question started out as usual. I know ...it's starting to sound like a murder mystery. As soon as the doorway is open, all the ladies make a mad dash for the exit. While they are out, I can change all the feed and water without tripping over them. I have handled each and every hen since we got them, and they are used to vying for their place in line on my lap. Yes, I talk to them as well.
Later, when it was time to bring them in, I noticed one hen out in the middle of their run area. She was VERY lethargic, and huddled down hard, not wanting to move. She was soaked and covered in mud. Okay, now the E.M.T. in me kicked in. The FIRST thing I did was put her in the brooder where she could be warmed in private by the heat lamp. I sat with her for about an hour. Finally, she started to shiver. This is a good sign, as signs go. This meant that she was warming and starting to respond to treatment.
Today, although she is eating and drinking fine, she is still a bit listless. She has a "twitch" in her LEFT leg ONLY. She has a slight limp, but it didn't keep her from going full-tilt toward the opening today, which I shut before she .had a chance to escape. She is back in the brooder where she can be observed for progress/ problems.
Has anyone ever had a similar experience? If so, any thoughts on what next...