Very Sick Rhode Island red

[Thatshouldbuffout]

Was hoping I might be able to get some help. I have an approximately two year old Rhode Island red that has been sick for about a month. Her poop is extremely watery and runny. Took her to the vet and was given Panicur liquid. The vet checked the stool sample and said she had roundworms. I isolated her as well as another chicken from the rest of the flock. They have separate water with apple cider vinegar and we’ve been feeding them egg layer crumbles with yogurt. Her crap felt bloated over the past several weeks on different occasions, although sometimes at the end of the day, it was empty, indicating she wasn’t eating. Several times when it felt bloated. I’ve tried to express her crop and got very foul, smelling black/brown liquid coming out.I found her today lying in the bottom of the cage, unable to stand up. She’s barely opening her eyes. Not sure what else I can do and as much as we love her, wondering if it’s time to euthanize her. She is super sweet and is always gentle with the rest of the flock. Her poop was extremely watery and green. I would send pictures but the newspaper at the bottom of the cage, absorbed at all. We really love her, but I don’t want her to suffer. We would love to help her recover, but looks like she may be beyond that I’m not sure what else I can do.Hoping someone might be able to give me advice, even if only that it’s time to make the hard decision. I don’t think she’ll make it until the vet opens on Tuesday. If I have to do it, what is the ethical way to euthanize a chicken? If I have to do that, should I bring her into the vet for an autopsy? Appreciate any help anyone might be able to offer.

 

[Thatshouldbuffout]

Just re-read my post. Should say her CROP was bloated. This is what I get for using voice to text…

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Usually if the vet has seen the chicken previously they will euthanize it for you. Did you worm her? You need to worm the entire flock. ACV won’t treat an active infestation.

 

[Thatshouldbuffout]

I gave her the deworming medication for three days per the vets instructions. Did the rest of the flock as well. Our vet said to wait a month and then retreat, and then have fecal samples tested two weeks after the last treatment. If she makes it until Tuesday, we’ll have the vet reassess. Really appreciate your response.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Sorry I don’t have any good advice. It’s possible it’s just too late. I don’t know if the preventatives like ACV, oregano, etc work but it would be nice to know for sure. Some people swear by them but I have never used either but probably should have

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Took her to the vet and was given Panicur liquid. The vet checked the stool sample and said she had roundworms. I isolated her as well as another chicken from the rest of the flock. They have separate water with apple cider vinegar and we’ve been feeding them egg layer crumbles with yogurt. Her crap felt bloated over the past several weeks on different occasions, although sometimes at the end of the day, it was empty, indicating she wasn’t eating. Several times when it felt bloated. I’ve tried to express her crop and got very foul, smelling black/brown liquid coming out.I found her today lying in the bottom of the cage, unable to stand up.

Hoping someone might be able to give me advice, even if only that it’s time to make the hard decision. I don’t think she’ll make it until the vet opens on Tuesday. If I have to do it, what is the ethical way to euthanize a chicken? If I have to do that, should I bring her into the vet for an autopsy? Appreciate any help anyone might be able to offer.

Welcome To BYC

I'm very sorry about your hen. It does look like she's on her way out. If you can give an update, that would be appreciated.

You mention that there was foul smelling liquid coming from the crop. This sounds like Sour Crop. Often crop issues are a symptom of an underlying condition like reproductive disorders, etc. I don't see you mention whether she was/is laying eggs (or I may have missed it).

With her laying on her side like that, to me she's dying and it would be hard to get fluids into her if her crop is not functioning well. Very Sorry.