URGENT!!help!

[microchick]

I would also add, if she isn't drinking or eating you need to get fluids down her. An eye dropper with save a chick or in a pinch, gatorade diluted will work. Go slow so she doesn't strangle.

 

[Abriana]

I hope your hen gets well soon! Make sure she is drinking enough and warm.

 

[Mary's Backyard Chickens]

She could be egg bound. All the symptoms. Have you felt her waste to feel if there is anything hard in there?

 

[staceyj]

Yup I'd bring her in and admit her to the observation area over night.
Do you have a dog crate you could keep her in?

Any nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, bubbles in her eyes, odd looking pupils?

And technically, 26 weeks for most breeds isn't too young to lay, although not as likely this time of year to get started.

I'd still suggest a "peak and squeak" to check things out in that department.

Check her vent area.

Does it look clean or trainwreck poopy? If poopy, what color and consistency?
Make a note of this info then clean her up.

While you're down there: Any evidence of lice or mites around the vent area ?

Look at the color, texture, and moistness of the pucker.
Pale or rosy?
Bigger or smaller than a quarter?
Dry like chapped lips or moist?

Any big red bulge?

Feel the pointy bones of her pelvis. Can you fit 2 or more fingers between them?

Yes means able to lay.

Is her abdomen hard, bloated, or squishy?

Please get back to us.

 

[staceyj]

After you've checked all that we can gently check inside to see if there's anything stuck.

 

[chickencheeper]

She’s inside right now in a space with water and roost and nesting box, I don’t know what I’m feeling under her tushie but there is some hard and some soft.

 

[junebuggena]

Also 2 of our chickens have been laying for quite a while and we didn’t know how to separate out food for them and control food types

Layer feed is for actively laying birds only, so only should be given if all the birds in the flock are laying. Otherwise, it's best to keep everybody on starter/grower or all flock till everybody is matured and laying with crushed oyster shell offered separately for those that need it. Much safer for all.

 

[Eggcessive]

Put on a disposable glove and insert a finger 1-2 inches into the vent. You should not feel anything but soft tissue if there is no egg, but if it is hard there may be an egg. Many people use 20% Flock Raiser feed for flocks where some are laying and some are not--it is very similar to grower feed, but more protein and larger crumbles or pellets. Just put out the oyster shell for layers.

 

[staceyj]

Let us know if you feel an egg.
And please don't just feel. Look.

 

[micstrachan]

You’ve received some good advice. Please examine her and report back. Good luck!