Weight Loss, loose stool - recovering from respiratory issue

[Wyorp Rock]

UPDATE:

She's curling all of her toes now, and is starting to walk more normal. She still is skinny, she felt like she put some weight on, but now it feels like either she hasn't improved since then or it's gone back a little since cutting back on all the supplements.

I have not noticed any sneezes in the last couple days, so I think she might be over that for now.

Should I just keep on keeping on and see how she does?

I'm starting to think about how introductions are going to go. It's getting pretty cold here, so I don't know if a fast transition would be better (because I can't leave her in a kennel in the run...its just too cold). She's also only had any experience in the front yard, so I don't know if it would be more stressful to carry her around back, and then return her to her kennel in the front. How long should a transition take?

I'm glad to hear she is improving. You want her strong enough to be able to defend herself when she is integrated back with the others. If you feel that she needs more time or extra vitamins/nutrition, then by all means provide it.

Flock dynamics and re-integration can be a tricky thing, sometimes it may take just a day or so, while other times it can be a long drawn out process. Getting her acclimated to the temperatures would be a good place to start - can you place her near the others at least during the day so they can see her?
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock

 

[MightyMama]

I don't have a place where they can be seen, but not together. My run is about 12x12 and is enclosed for the winter. I could put her kennel inside the run, or I could put her in a pen and let everyone free range (which they will likely not be near her at all).

She's starting to get a lot more agitated with being locked up, she's knocking over her food/trying to stand on the bowls...which she wasn't doing before. She's still skinny, but she's just acting more like a normal chicken now, which is nice.

This week, we are in the 40-50s, next week it drops to the 30s. And about 10-20 degrees lower at night. My husband wants to get her mixed in while it's warm and they can free range during the day, but I'm still worried about her being skinny.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

If she were mine, I would try putting her kennel inside the run since you have wind protection. Watch to see how the others act. She may do o.k. free ranging with them too - you never know about chickens, they may welcome her or it could be a brawl. I know that sounds terrible, but some can be very aggressive.

Sprinkle a few treats/scratch around her kennel (let her have a little too), this will encourage them to all eat together.

Even if she's still skinny, if she seems fit to go back, then do it. Sometimes they need to be with the flock to completely heal. Being with others seems to encourage them to eat, but watch for any bullying at the food station(s). I've found that having multiple areas to eat helps with this. Same with treats, I scatter it broadly if it's something like scratch or if it's veggies, I use multiple bowls. A hanging cabbage or apple keeps everyone occupied as well.

I hope all goes well for you (and her). Please keep us posted.