What in the world ...

[cposz]

After being gone for a couple of hours last evening, we got home to discover that one of our 4 hens, Wilma, was suddenly failing. She hadn't made it up the ladder to the henhouse for the night with the others and when we picked her up, her comb was pale and she was incredibly weak - just limp. She had been up and bouncing around with the others the day before - she had even laid the day before. Her vent looked clear and fine, her crop felt fine - we didn't know what the deal was but we prepared ourselves for the worst.

We isolated her in the garage with a little heat and put some food and water in a big dog kennel, made a little bed of straw for her and watched her on and off through the evening. She just worsened as the evening went on. When we went to bed, her breathing seemed a bit labored...she couldn't even lift her head.

I woke up early this morning and went down to check on her expecting to find a dead hen in the kennel, but instead I found her up and clucking - drinking and walking around! I couldn't believe it - so I brought her a little dish of yogurt and will scramble an egg for her in awhile to boost her protein a bit.

What could this be? (Wilma is an 8-month old BO.) Is there anything I should do before putting her back out in the coop with her sisters? Should I keep her isolated for a couple of days?

 

[cposz]

Anyone have any idea what is/was up with this?

 

[Shiningfeather]

Wow, Im not sure. I hope she does well now. Maybe someone will be on soon that can help.

 

[Plain Old Dee]

I'd keep her separated for another day or so. It sounds like she ate something that didn't agree with her...

 

[emys]

Hypothermia? Dehydration?

 

[KKatknap]

Quote:
Me, too. Couldn't hurt to keep her apart & keep an eye on her for another day before putting her back.

 

[LynneP]

Certainly could have been dehydration or hypothermia- thinking dehydration if you have any reason to think the water had frozen or if she is a low-order hen unable to get enough at all times. Could also be a freak low-level poisoning, bit of mold or such. They are so sensitive. I'd be inclined to observe her individually for a day or two, in case there is something contagious or something none of us have thought of! OH- also check her vent and the bedding for a possible softie or other egg problems...

 

[cherylcohen]

What hatchery did she come from? Did you hatch her?, get her as a pullet? breed her?

I got 4 different buff orpingtons from different farms that got their 1-day-olds from a hatchery in mexico, they all failed, weak stock.

 

[Bandit]

Could have been botulism. That will make them shaky and unable to hold up their head. My Wyandotte got it and was really sick, then miraculously was fine again.

 

[cposz]

These are all good thoughts. We will keep her isolated for another day - she's continuing to improve, I think.
She's the lowest of the 4 in pecking order, but they have never had problems not getting along, and our other BO, her BFF, seems to have risen to the top of the pecking order.
We got them as day olds last Easter, from a Farm Supply store.

Is there some medication I should give her or have on hand in case this should happen again with her or anothr of our hens?