What’s going on with my Buff Orphington?

[Chloe8243]

The other day I noticed my buff Orpington hen was huddled by herself while the rest of the flock foraged around. I went over to investigate and noticed she had a pale comb. She won’t eat, she won’t drink and she’s barely moves. She is separated from the rest of the flock until I can figure out what’s wrong with her. I do make sure she gets water. She’s been like this for about a week. Any clue on what’s going on?

 

[Welshies]

There's a possibility she may have worms. Does she feel underweight?

 

[Ashley McDaniel]

How old is she?

 

[Chloe8243]

There's a possibility she may have worms. Does she feel underweight?

She does feel lighter than usual.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The other day I noticed my buff Orpington hen was huddled by herself while the rest of the flock foraged around. I went over to investigate and noticed she had a pale comb. She won’t eat, she won’t drink and she’s barely moves. She is separated from the rest of the flock until I can figure out what’s wrong with her. I do make sure she gets water. She’s been like this for about a week. Any clue on what’s going on?

I'm sorry she is not doing well.
Photos of your girl and her poop would be helpful.
How old is she?
When was the last time she laid an egg?
What is your weather like?
Feel the crop - is it empty/full?

Check her over for lice/mites, when you examine her - is there any bloat/swelling or fluid in the abdomen, does she indicate any pain when you manipulate legs/wings?
Is she breathing o.k. - any symptoms of respiratory illness?

Separating her was good, this way you can monitor her more closely. She needs hydrated, so try to encourage her to drink. Only offer food once she is actively drinking.

If you have a vet that can run a fecal float that would be a good idea.

 

[Chloe8243]

She does feel lighter than usual.

34 weeks

I'm sorry she is not doing well.
Photos of your girl and her poop would be helpful.
How old is she?
When was the last time she laid an egg?
What is your weather like?
Feel the crop - is it empty/full?

Check her over for lice/mites, when you examine her - is there any bloat/swelling or fluid in the abdomen, does she indicate any pain when you manipulate legs/wings?
Is she breathing o.k. - any symptoms of respiratory illness?

Separating her was good, this way you can monitor her more closely. She needs hydrated, so try to encourage her to drink. Only offer food once she is actively drinking.

If you have a vet that can run a fecal float that would be a good idea.

She is 34 weeks.
I don’t remember the last time she’s laid, I do know she has not laid for a long period of time.
The weather around here is off and on. It’s been very cold for a few days and then it starts to warm back up. And then it repeats.
Her crop is sort of mushy. It doesn’t feel empty.
Her abdomen feels somewhat swollen.
She does not indicate that she is in any pain.
I noticed that sometimes she’ll jolt. She’ll stand there and sometimes I’ll see her sort of jolt, like she’s trying to poop? Maybe?

 

[Welshies]

34 weeks

She is 34 weeks.
I don’t remember the last time she’s laid, I do know she has not laid for a long period of time.
The weather around here is off and on. It’s been very cold for a few days and then it starts to warm back up. And then it repeats.
Her crop is sort of mushy. It doesn’t feel empty.
Her abdomen feels somewhat swollen.
She does not indicate that she is in any pain.
I noticed that sometimes she’ll jolt. She’ll stand there and sometimes I’ll see her sort of jolt, like she’s trying to poop? Maybe?

Many hens get small, pale combs and wattles when they don't lay for a while

 

[Wyorp Rock]

34 weeks....don’t remember the last time she’s laid, I do know she has not laid for a long period of time....Her crop is sort of mushy. It doesn’t feel empty....Her abdomen feels somewhat swollen.

Crop issues can be a symptom of an underlying condition like internal laying/reproductive disorders, worms, coccidiosis and infection.

Since her crop is mushy and she has a swollen abdomen and she hasn't laid an egg for a while, I would be inclined that she is laying internally or similarly has some type of reproductive problem. Can you take her to a vet? You can try soaking her in a warm epsom salts bath, if she is not lethargic. The bath may be soothing and help reduce some swelling, but it won't cure whatever is going on with her.

If the swelling in the abdomen feels like fluid, this can sometimes be drained to give some relief.

 

[Ashley McDaniel]

I agree with Wyorp Rock. But it's very difficult to tell because her symptoms could be such a wide variety of different illnesses. Please keep us updated on her progress. Hopefully it's nothing serious and she feels better soon! Best of luck to the both of you

 

[Chloe8243]

I agree with Wyorp Rock. But it's very difficult to tell because her symptoms could be such a wide variety of different illnesses. Please keep us updated on her progress. Hopefully it's nothing serious and she feels better soon! Best of luck to the both of you

No luck. She’s still alive and we are trying our best to help her. Unfortunately our local vets office does not have a vet that can help us (they actually suggested we put her down). I put her outside a few today and the first thing our young rooster did was run up to her. She’d usually fight back but this time she just ran.