(URGENT) Hen cannot stand/walk good and is very lathargic

[dakrazyk]

My hen has been acting strange for a few days, she has trouble walking, doesn't want to eat or drink by herself, hasn't laid eggd, etc. I checked for symptoms of Marek's and she doesn't seem to have it, as its been a few days since shes acting up. I have been feeding her yogurt with crushed up TUM's for calcium and nutrients, and giving her plenty of water. I checked for a bound egg, but she doesn't seem to have one. She has a swollen abdomen though, which worries me. She is very lathargic and solemnly moves. She is currently resting. Please help!

 

[Kassaundra]

If not egg bound my next guess would be internal laid (broken) egg. http://www.theveterinaryexpert.com/backyard-poultry/egg-yolk-peritonitis/

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She has a swollen abdomen though

she has trouble walking, doesn't want to eat or drink by herself, hasn't laid eggd, etc.

I'm sorry to hear about your hen. It looks like she is very ill.

A swollen abdomen could be an indication of internal laying/reproductive disorders like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer, tumors or Salpingitis. Some symptoms you may see with these conditions would be loose dropping, going off feed, loss of weight, lameness (trouble walking) and labored breathing.

Unfortunately, supportive care is usually the best that can be done. Antibiotics can be helpful if caught very early, but are usually not that effective. Fluid in the abdomen can sometimes be drained to give some relief as well.

Do the best you can to keep her comfortable, try to keep her hydrated, offer some poultry vitamins in her water.

Please keep us posted.

 

[dakrazyk]

I'm sorry to hear about your hen. It looks like she is very ill.

A swollen abdomen could be an indication of internal laying/reproductive disorders like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer, tumors or Salpingitis. Some symptoms you may see with these conditions would be loose dropping, going off feed, loss of weight, lameness (trouble walking) and labored breathing.

Unfortunately, supportive care is usually the best that can be done. Antibiotics can be helpful if caught very early, but are usually not that effective. Fluid in the abdomen can sometimes be drained to give some relief as well.

Do the best you can to keep her comfortable, try to keep her hydrated, offer some poultry vitamins in her water.

Please keep us posted.

She seems to have gotten more tired and her breathing is heavier. She keeps her eyes closed a lot and only opens them when she is caught off guard. I try to feed her and give her water with ACV, but she twists her neck because she doesn't want to drink. I'm not sure what to do!

 

[Kassaundra]

If it is egg peritonitis, she is already septic (systemic whole body infection) and little to nothing can be done except a painless quick exit. It is very likely she was too far gone when the symptoms became noticeable, so don't beat yourself up for not noticing sooner. Prey animals don't show weakness until very late stages of sickness.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry she is still declining.

Sometimes even with our best efforts, there is nothing that can be done

 

[Lindastev]

I also have a girl now feeling herself! About the same issues. Eyes closed,not moving much.Only mine is very skinny. I also checked for a bound egg, and didn't find one. For 4 days I gave her water mixed with Rooster Boster, and dissolved tum. Many times during the day I pick her up and give her this with an eye dropper.
( I have her in the coop but in her own fenced area.) she is starting to fly out
She started eating some oatmeal last night and today I gave her scrambled eggs. Best of luck!

 

[newchicks5]

If not egg bound my next guess would be internal laid (broken) egg. http://www.theveterinaryexpert.com/backyard-poultry/egg-yolk-peritonitis/

just put one down with one.

 

[Kassaundra]

just put one down with one.

So sorry, it is hard, but the right thing for the hurting animal.

 

[Chickens 4Ever]

My hen has been acting strange for a few days, she has trouble walking, doesn't want to eat or drink by herself, hasn't laid eggd, etc. I checked for symptoms of Marek's and she doesn't seem to have it, as its been a few days since shes acting up. I have been feeding her yogurt with crushed up TUM's for calcium and nutrients, and giving her plenty of water. I checked for a bound egg, but she doesn't seem to have one. She has a swollen abdomen though, which worries me. She is very lathargic and solemnly moves. She is currently resting. Please help!

Is she old?