Very sick chicken

[ashums]

hi all

My 7 year old Wyandotte is sick.
She has been slowing down in recent months but this am we found her laying down in coop almost dead.
She has thick nasal drainage just constant drainage.
No eye symptoms but she’s so lethargic she can’t sit or even keep head up.
Isolated her in our laundry room. Thinking about trying antibiotics.
No other of my 8 chickens with symptoms.

 

[LJoWilly]

Poor thing...7 yrs old. I can only hope mine live that long. I am sure someone with more knowledge will chime in.
Healing vibes headed your way!

 

[Allie Grace Sanders]

@aart, @azygous, @micstrachan, @Chickassan. HELP!

 

[theoldchick]

Keep her warm and dry. Examine her for wounds or any type of trauma.Though from what you have said, it seems she has been dealing with an illness-possibly kidney or liver issues. At her age treatment is limited to supportive care. If she can't hold her head up or move she is most likely not going make it. Bless her she's lived a long life and deserves a peaceful end. Wish I had better news.

 

[azygous]

What color is her comb? Is it a grey-purple? When she breathes, do you hear "clicking"? Has any of your flock ever experienced a respiratory illness before this? How is this hen's weight? Feel the keel bone. Is there any meat on it at all? How much do you think she weighs? Is it significantly less than her usual weight? Is she molting? How is it progressing...or is it stalled?

If her weight is good, and molt is progressing, and there are no clicking noises in her respiration and if she has a pink comb, I would say there's a chance antibiotics could help pull her through this.

If her age is a factor in her decline, she will likely die by morning, though.

 

[micstrachan]

Oh, I’m so sorry about your girl! How us she right now? I agree supportive care is critical if she is still with us. Did you examine her? How was her weight? Is she able to eat and drink? Fluids are important. If you have nutridench, she may even take a couple sips/drops straight. I think antibiotics are worth a shot. Is her belly swollen with fluid? How is her crop? Please report back.
This spounds respiratory, but checking out her other systems may help narrow it down. Does she smell normal?