Washingtonians

[pettec63]

Well, went out to feed this am and I have a sick hen!!! Not sure why?? She's on of my favorite barred Rocks!!! No one else is sick, I haven't had sick chickens since I've been here, so I'm thinking....omg, I can't think...

....retained egg?....for cryin out loud!! Maybe a crop issue?? She was fluffed up outside and had been digging in the dirt, when I picked her up she is very skinny! She was fine yesterday?? I'm going to put her in a dog crate and bring her inside, anything to specifically look for?? You guys know way more about sick chickens then I??
I know they are good at masking illness so I have no idea how long it's been going on, I know I only have 5 layers and the egg count has been down for a week or so?

 

[pettec63]

Is is a good idea to use warm water and Karyo syrup?? maybe get her to drink, or syringe it to her?? Just thinking she is dehydrated and that would give her some calories.??

 

[TheReidHomestead]

Quote:

Oh my! I missed this earlier! Hope they are all ok!!! Big hugs for you as I am sure you are totally stressed out!!!!

 

[TheReidHomestead]

Well, went out to feed this am and I have a sick hen!!! Not sure why?? She's on of my favorite barred Rocks!!! No one else is sick, I haven't had sick chickens since I've been here, so I'm thinking....omg, I can't think...

....retained egg?....for cryin out loud!! Maybe a crop issue?? She was fluffed up outside and had been digging in the dirt, when I picked her up she is very skinny! She was fine yesterday?? I'm going to put her in a dog crate and bring her inside, anything to specifically look for?? You guys know way more about sick chickens then I??
I know they are good at masking illness so I have no idea how long it's been going on, I know I only have 5 layers and the egg count has been down for a week or so?

Oh bummer!!! Have you checked her for mites? If they have an infestation, they can do a lot of damage quickly. Check under her wings, near her vent. If you see any, dust her with Poultry Dust. Yes, get her hydrated. Sugar water or Karo is good. Offer her some scrambled eggs or any other favorite treats to get her to eat. I usually make a mash of feed, warm water, scrambled eggs.

Have you wormed your birds? You might check their droppings to see if you see anything that looks suspicious.

Check her crop and vent. Does she have any eye or nasal drainage? Her breathing ok? Any wheezing?

I'd isolate her, keep her warm, offer her treats and the sweetened water as mentioned, and then treat only what you see signs of. Hang in there!!!! Hope she's ok!!!

 

[hallerlake]

Awe, poor thing! I was logged in and didn't know it. Changed my profile like you said and logged out before I read posts. Sorry.

BTW, Nanner Cream Pie is my favorite also!

Quote: I've never met a pie i didn't like.

 

[pettec63]

Quote: Thanks Tam, I will look, but, it's never been a problem here, I have poop boards and everything has been pretty normal, no wheezing, or runny eyes. Just fluffed up and cold looking? breathing is fine?? Well, I'll get her in and take a good look at her and see what I can see. I'll give you a report and maybe we can figure it out!! Thank you!!!

 

[Chicken Rustler]

Okay all you smartie pants. Putting this out to all you crafty people who can see the "vision" where I can not always see it.

I have the opportunity to pick up A LOT of snowmobile pallets. I want a "building" type coop. Something I can walk into and will only have to worry about warming the 1 room. This is going to be my serama house. I have scribled down what I want - no exact dimensions....but I know what style I want. Is it possible to use these pallets to do this? I almost can see it...but not 100% sure. Do You know of a good design or web site that I could go to that would help me invision this? Throw your ideas my way .... would love to hear them.

Ya knooooow if ya woulda stopped by I coulda sent ya home wiff a 4'x16'.
Hey ya know come to think of it maybe I will cut it in half then make the 2 halves face each and add to the roof in the middle. Batta boom batta bing a little barn thing.

 

[Chicken Rustler]

Is is a good idea to use warm water and Karyo syrup?? maybe get her to drink, or syringe it to her?? Just thinking she is dehydrated and that would give her some calories.??

Rather than Karyo I would use some of the honey yer DH smuggled from me!!! I would just put a little dab in the side of her mouth then when it seems gone put a bit more. up to part of a teaspoon.

 

[hallerlake]

Is is a good idea to use warm water and Karyo syrup?? maybe get her to drink, or syringe it to her?? Just thinking she is dehydrated and that would give her some calories.??

When #1 son was dehydrated because of pneumonia as an infant, and wouldn't touch pedialyte, my pediatrician suggested Gatorade. It has the same stuff and tastes better. It should work for chickens, too.

 

[pettec63]

All great suggestions! Thanks!
Ok, no mites, vent dry?? crop, can't get a feeling for what it is, seems like lower down there kind of a soft ball? It's pliable? She may be dehydrated, I put warm water and honey in her crate and she's drinking pretty good, stuck the eggs in there and she ate some. Thats a good sign cause not eating and drinking is BAD!! She isn't the most dominate hen and maybe some how even tho the three barred Rocks have been together for ever, she got pushed around some?? Well, I'll keep you posted, gotta go check on the others and bring some chicken feed in!
Have a great day!!