Wellsummer hen cant stand or fly and cracked beak

[Susuba]

Good morning. Found one of our wellsummer hens in the run this morning by herself, did not see her last night but it was about 45-50 and she was by herself. Cant stand. Can flap her wings but not strong enough to fly. Alert. Eating and drinking, but i noticed a chip missing from the tip of her beak and it looks shifted slighty, like scissor beak but not that bad. Have her in the bathtub propper up in a towel right now. She was doing fine yesterday. Hoping its something stupid like user error for not putting her away and not Mareks
Will post pictures of her beak in a few minutes. Have foster kittens running all running around.

 

[arianna7]

Good morning! I'm sorry to hear about your hen. It sounds like she's in a bit of distress. Given that she can flap her wings and is alert, that's a positive sign. The chipped beak and difficulty standing could indicate a few things, such as an injury or a nutritional deficiency.

Here are a few steps you might consider:

1. Check for Injuries: Look for any signs of injury on her legs or body that could explain her inability to stand.
2. Nutrition: Ensure she's getting proper nutrition. You might want to provide her with some soft food that’s easy to eat.
3. Hydration: Make sure she’s drinking enough water. You can offer her some electrolyte solution if you're concerned about dehydration.
4. Comfort: Keep her comfortable in the bathtub, as you're doing, and monitor her closely.

Once you post pictures of her beak, I might be able to provide more specific advice. Best of luck, and I hope she feels better soon!

 

[tlcmurphy]

Could something have gotten her in the run last night?

 

[arianna7]

Yes, it's possible that something could have gotten to her in the run. Predators such as raccoons, foxes, or even birds of prey can sometimes attack chickens, especially if they feel threatened or if there's a weakness in the enclosure.

Here are a few signs to look for:

1. Physical Injuries: Check her body for any wounds, scratches, or signs of a struggle.
2. Fencing Damage: Inspect the run for any breaches or areas where a predator might have entered.
3. Behavior of Other Hens: If you have other hens, observe their behavior. Are they acting unusually skittish or hiding?
4. Feathers: Look for any loose feathers around the run, which could indicate a scuffle.

If you suspect a predator, it may be a good idea to reinforce the run and ensure it's secure for the future.

 

[arianna7]

Yes, it's possible that something could have gotten to her in the run. Predators such as raccoons, foxes, or even birds of prey can sometimes attack chickens, especially if they feel threatened or if there's a weakness in the enclosure.

Here are a few signs to look for:

1. Physical Injuries: Check her body for any wounds, scratches, or signs of a struggle.
2. Fencing Damage: Inspect the run for any breaches or areas where a predator might have entered.
3. Behavior of Other Hens: If you have other hens, observe their behavior. Are they acting unusually skittish or hiding?
4. Feathers: Look for any loose feathers around the run, which could indicate a scuffle.

If you suspect a predator, it may be a good idea to reinforce the run and ensure it's secure for the future.

I hope this helps I've had weasels and raccoons attack my girls, just by slipping in through a loose spot in the wire or digging holes!

 

[Susuba]

That was my first thought too but she looks perfectly fine except for her beak.Its crazy! I checked her lefts to see if there was any deforities or clicking or pulling away abd they were fine. I gave her some water with acv and molassess and chick starter which she gobbled. Gotta get to my electrolytes but ill add them once i can.

 

[Susuba]

 

[arianna7]

View attachment 3991017View attachment 3991018

weird, maybe a fight, this is pretty confusing! let me know if you see any more symptoms!

 

[triciayoung]

If she does not have a lacerations injuries after inspecting, since she is eating and drinking well, I am not leaning towards illness. She probably has a a physical injury; perhaps her beak and her not walking is a result from her panicking and she got hurt.

 

[tlcmurphy]

If she does not have a lacerations injuries after inspecting, since she is eating and drinking well, I am not leaning towards illness. She probably has a a physical injury; perhaps her beak and her not walking is a result from her panicking and she got hurt.

That’s a good thought. Mine have done some pretty stupid thing when they panic, like fly straight into the wire walls of their run.