URGENT Sick Pullet Please Help

[cuddlewuddles]

I have 3 chickens all about 2 months old living in a small coop. This morning I went out to check them and one of the black australorps was laying in the back of the house, and I thought she was dead. She did get up and walk out of the house with the other chicks but then collapsed on the ground. She isn't moving very much and is breathing heavily through her mouth. I offered her water in case she was dehydrated but she won't drink. She can walk, and I don't see any external injuries, but she is very weak and just stands/sits panting with her eyes closed. Then she started to squawk and twitch occasionally, but this seems to have stopped now.

Does anyone know what could be wrong? The other 2 chicks (another australorp and an americana) are fine. They also live with a 2 month old Emdin goose who is also fine.
I speculated maybe she ate something bad, is this possible? Should I get her some antibiotics, or take her to a vet, or what?

 

[LynneP]

Poisoning is very possible, but I'd separate her in case something contagious is at play.

Do you have electrolytes for her water? If not, use very diluted gatorade. Just enough so you can see its color.

Sometimes a hen will take water by dropper if offered along the curve of her beak (avoid the nares) because the sensation stimulated her sipping reflex.

If you suspect overheating you can sit her on frozen water bottles covered with rags or a towel.


Search here for toxins and labored breathing in the Search feature.


Can you offer more information?

Is it hot there?

Any signs of trauma?

Is she holding wings out or down?

What is the condition of crop and abdomen?