watery eyes, open mouth breathing, pasty poo, one dead

[SilkieNation]

I only have 3 silkie hens (now 2) between the ages of 4 and 7. Drizzle died yesterday after losing appetite, open mouth breathing and watery eyes. I was syringe feeding her and thought she would get better, but then she suddenly got much worse and died during the night. Now Queenie has slight open mouth breathing and slightly watery eyes, but she is still eating. Pumpkinhead is fine so far.

I can take Queenie to the vet tomorrow, but I'm looking for some ideas. During the winter they mostly stay inside - I keep their house very clean. But I do feed the wild birds. Could I have tracked something in from outside?

My 3 little girls are my sweethearts! Now Drizzle is dead.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I only have 3 silkie hens (now 2) between the ages of 4 and 7. Drizzle died yesterday after losing appetite, open mouth breathing and watery eyes. I was syringe feeding her and thought she would get better, but then she suddenly got much worse and died during the night. Now Queenie has slight open mouth breathing and slightly watery eyes, but she is still eating. Pumpkinhead is fine so far.

I can take Queenie to the vet tomorrow, but I'm looking for some ideas. During the winter they mostly stay inside - I keep their house very clean. But I do feed the wild birds. Could I have tracked something in from outside?

My 3 little girls are my sweethearts! Now Drizzle is dead.

I'm sorry for your loss

Have you changed anything - closed up windows, changed bedding - anything?
Difficulty breathing with watery eyes can be a number of things from poor ventilation to respiratory illness.
It would be a very good idea to see your vet, if you happen to lose Queenie, get some testing performed either through your vet or state lab to get more information.

 

[SilkieNation]

Thank you. It really is sad and the other two are missing her.

I have been keeping them in the basement more this winter when it's cold, although I know this is a bit odd. They are super pampered. It should be fine though. They are in a room with windows, on a tarp with bedding. They've been in there before. I also bought some alfalfa bunny hay and tried to give some to the rabbit outside - but ended up adding it to the girl's bedding. Other than these things, nothing has changed. I guess I'll take Queenie in to the vet.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Sorry for your loss ... Are the windows open? Is the basement "damp"? Is there ventilation? It's possible the alfalfa hay, that's the only "difference" from what you've said. Is it bagged? Good to take both in for a check, give us an update please

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you. It really is sad and the other two are missing her.

I have been keeping them in the basement more this winter when it's cold, although I know this is a bit odd. They are super pampered. It should be fine though. They are in a room with windows, on a tarp with bedding. They've been in there before. I also bought some alfalfa bunny hay and tried to give some to the rabbit outside - but ended up adding it to the girl's bedding. Other than these things, nothing has changed. I guess I'll take Queenie in to the vet.

Let us know what you find out.