Unwell, lethargic, wheezing hen -- Impacted crop maybe?

[JayDee]

Yesterday, we noticed one of our araucana hens was all hunched up and keeping to herself. We didn't know what to think and though maybe she was having trouble laying an egg (her sister laid her first egg a week ago).

But we checked her and found her full of lice so we powdered everyone. She's no better today, so I'm guessing that wasn't it.

We brought her inside and have left her in a warm, humid room. I can hear her wheezing/bubbling chest noises. She's hunched over, and her feathers are all puffed out. She's alert, but not eating or drinking. Her eyes are clear and I can't see any discharge from her beak. My OH said she heard her sneezing.

Yesterday, she was still eating and drinking if it was within reach.

She hasn't passed any fluids or solids since we brought her in. Her crop has stuff in it anyway (so she must have eaten something).

We're very new to this, so I'd appreciate any help you can offer. We don't have an avian vet anywhere nearby.

 

[ladrholman]

sorry I don't know what it could be... the puffed up look is a clear sign she is sick though..... can be from many things though. Could be a respiratory infection. Search the site to see what you come up with. I hope someone with more experience will answer. Sorry and thoughts....

 

[JayDee]

We're going on the assumption that because she had stuff in her crop first thing this morning, that it's an impacted crop.

Vet offered lactulose and massages to clear it.

Does anyone know anything about impacted crops? She's pooing tiny little poos but that must be a good thing, that some stuff is getting through, right?

Vet didn't sound very hopeful -- said once they stop eating it's bad news, but she's not interested in anything!

 

[ladrholman]

I found this link here on impacted crop.... might be helpful.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=156772

 

[JayDee]

Oh that was really useful, thanks!

 

[JayDee]

We've been giving lactulose twice a day with water and massaging her crop regularly. Today it's less hard, but I'm worried it's turned sour.

BUT -- just now she's had her biggest poo since she came inside and I'm hoping that's a good sign. It came out with what appears to be some lactulose.

Is it a good sign? I'm terribly worried about her.

She still has no appetite and still has her feathers puffed up and her head down on her shoulders.