URGENT: Mites or Lice on Already Near-Dead Hen- How to Remove?

[chickeepoo]

Quote:
What would be a sign of electrolyte imbalance? I can cut them back; she is taking in lots of fluid.

 

[Wynette]

I just ran across this post, and I"m so sorry about your girl. Yes, I would eliminate the electrolytes; not good to have her on them for an extended period. Also, you've mentioned that she's been on antibiotics this entire time...how many days has it been? Seems like it would be time to discontinue those as well.

Have you tried yogurt? It's got lots of beneficial organisms in it.

I know how you feel, about "Frankenstein"....I've had a few that I hand fed for VERY long amounts of time. One for over 3 months. In my experience, I've lost most of them, I'm sorry to say. But, it doesn't stop me from trying to save them. I really hope your girl pulls through for you!

 

[chickeepoo]

Thanks, Wynette- I hope for the best, but I'm preparing for the worst. She's been on an antibiotics for a week, and the vitamin/electrolytes for 9 days. I can cut the latter and see if there's any change. Since I wasn't sure, other than the lice, what was causing her to be ill, I thought I should give the antibiotics for 10 days just to cover the bases. My husband looked at her today and gave me that "You know she's on her way out" look but didn't say anything b/c he knows I try to save anything lost, injured, orphaned, ill, rejected, etc. and he helps with whatever I ask.

 

[Glenda L Heywood]

she would be just as happy in the chicken house
and you could let the sevin 5% dust do the job
but probably won't be as handy to feed her

she has something wrong with her being on the weak side
hopefully your dusting her will get her okay

 

[emilyweck]

Quote:
Sounds like a great hubby!

 

[Renee]

Hmmm, I might be inclined to let her go at this stage. It sounds like it might be an underlying problem that attracted the lice in the first place.

Who would have known that chickens were such sickly critters, so prone to disease? I have only owned four for one year, and I lost one to crop issues and one other almost died from botulism. One has funny looking poop today. Sheesh, no wonder they reproduce so rapidly! They would die out if they didn't.

 

[chickeepoo]

Glenda- I'd be happy to let her just lay around the chicken house, but I'm not sure if she has something contagious that might infect the others. I'll keep her comfortable in the cage and watch her a little longer pending her condition the next few days….

Emilyweck- yes good, long-suffering husband! He's been with me on almost every project I cook up for 18 years and pushing 19 now. A keeper for sure…

Renee- that's kind of what my husband was thinking, and I'm getting closer to letting my best efforts be enough and letting her go… I wanted to finish out this week to see if she got any more strength. It's a shame- she's such a nice bird, and her digestive system seems to be getting back to normal now… but that weakness and scrambling around with her left side doesn't look promising

 

[NotTheMomma]

When I saw you has replied, I was afraid to read. HUGGLES HUN!

You know, I've been thinking, and since the rest hasn't come down with anything, and she WAS with them before and when she got sick, I think I would at least let her be with a calm hen, if not just put her back with the flock. When I tried seperating my 6 wk old EE, she wouldn't walk around, eat or drink! When I put her back, she ran straight for the food and water, and her two friends ran up to welcome her home, and they've been keeping a close check on her. If another chick starts to pick on her, the two others gang up on it!

Whatever you decide...you're in my thoughts and prayers!

 

[NotTheMomma]

Another thought, do you have a milk crate? If so, what about lots of hay or straw to help keep her upright and at least letting her visit her friends? Since lone chickens don't do well, I'm really wondering if she'll perk up seeing the others. Maybe eveen sitting her outside their run so she can see and hear them.

 

[emilyweck]

Quote:
Now that sounds like a little chicken logic. Thanks for the insight. I didn't think about taking it to the next level and that she may be sick and depressed.