Very sick chicken

[mamagg]

SO, my hen is over 7 years old and I am assuming she is on her way out - I like to call it "home". ANYWAY she has lice (yes I treated her), hasn't eaten for over 4 days, hasn't walked for over 4 days, etc. I give her water every 4 hours or so by syringe, but she has never changed. I do not have an axe or way to end her. I am afraid of how much pain she is in. I am thinking I will head out and buy an axe - should be something every chicken owner owns.... Any help?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry about your hen.

What did you use to treat the lice?
Does she still lay eggs? Crop empty? Any swelling/bloat or fluid in the abdomen?

If you feel that she is on her way out and she needs to be put out of her misery, as you mentioned an axe is one way, there is also the broom stick method (see post#6).
Here's another article you may find helpful. https://www.poultryindustrycouncil....delines-for-On-Farm-Euthanasia-of-Poultry.pdf

 

[micstrachan]

So sorry about your hen. She may need to be euthanized, but have you examined her? Is her abdomen full of fluid? Is her crop emptying overnight? Is it safe to assume it’s been a few years since she laid an egg?

 

[mamagg]

Thank you everyone. You have assumed correctly - she has not laid for over a year, maybe longer. Her crop was FULL! It emptied out a bit with me adding water and massaging. I had her on "liquid drench" (not sure if that is the exact name) I had her quarantined in her own pen and there was no poop on the floor - ever (for 6 days!) She was a pet♥ My husband helped me send her home yesterday. She never walked, ate, etc after Monday. I am just too sad... Thank you all for carring♥

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you everyone. You have assumed correctly - she has not laid for over a year, maybe longer. Her crop was FULL! It emptied out a bit with me adding water and massaging. I had her on "liquid drench" (not sure if that is the exact name) I had her quarantined in her own pen and there was no poop on the floor - ever (for 6 days!) She was a pet♥ My husband helped me send her home yesterday. She never walked, ate, etc after Monday. I am just too sad... Thank you all for carring♥

I'm sorry for your loss