Very lethargic chicken

Ch8ckenhelp

Songster
Nov 17, 2017
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This morning when I went to check on the chickens, I saw one of my RIR's who was basically sleeping on the roost with her head almost dangling towards the ground, like she couldn't keep her head up.
I grabbed her and looked her over, and it seems like she had something go with her egg. I didn't feel any lumps or anything when I lightly massaged her abdomen, but she had egg yolks all around her vent. Her comb and waddle are very cold and pale. I soaked her in some warm water for about 20 minutes, and then I tried to get her to drink. She won't drink water on her own, so I used a small dropper and gave her some water mixed with a little vitamin c and some probiotics.
She's been here for about an hour now, and she has moved a bit more since I brought her in, but she's still spending most of her time sleeping.
I already have a chicken in my little hospital cage, so I don't have anywhere to put her until this afternoon, when the other chicken gets out. Since she's not moving a whole lot, I set her down in this chair next to me.
She will get up and stand for a minute, but she seems to just barely be able to hold herself up. I just want to figure out what's wrong with her and see if there's anything I can do to help her.
@Wyorp Rock @Eggcessive @dawg53
@casportpony
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If an egg broke inside her, infection will quickly set in and she'll need an antibiotic such as amoxicillin or doxycycline. You can provide her comfort care; place her in warm epsom salt water as silkiemother mentioned to relax her and ease any pain.
 
If you have some Poultry NutriDrench or other electrolytes, I would give her some and water. A spare bathtub, dog crate, or laudry basket can work well for a sick chicken. Having an egg burst inside or having been egg bound, really can take a lot out of a hen. She may have a problem with impacted oviduct or internal laying. Hopefully, she will perk up and start feeling better soon. If you cannot get antibiotics as recommended by Dawg53, I would check with your regular dog or cat vet to get some.
 

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