What is my hen dying of? Please help

[De@n]

if she was broody i dont think her comb would flop and go purple around edges, ja?

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Sounds like she is in distress. The purple comb indicate blood flow problem or illness. She is not that old, the oldest living hen was 15-16 years old!

If she is in and out of the nest box, it is most likely a reproductive problem. It sounds like she has been ill for a while. If you can get her to eat and drink water she may have a chance. If her abdomen is swollen you must take great care to support that area when handling her.

You should also be able to use your "blackmore's executive B stress formula", just crush and administer 1/4 teaspoon twice daily. Till you can get poultry vitamins, she really needs vitamin supplement now.

I try to use herbal medicine when ever possible. Here is my recipe for Herbal Antibiotic and Immune System Support. The herbs can be purchased at Wal Mart or any pharmacy.

1 (760 mg) Capsule, Echinacea
1 (400 mg) Capsule, Golden Seal
1 teaspoon Hempseed Protein Powder (or other protein powder)
2 teaspoons warm water
1 teaspoon Agave Nectar, * optional

Dosage for chicken:
weight 5 lbs. = 1.25 mL, twice daily
May be given three times daily, 7 days, for severe symptoms: lack of appetite, diarrhea & lethargy.
Use for no more than 10 days.

Suggested Treatment Plan:
First move the hen to a hospital crate where you can care for her.

• Each day - 5 minute bath in warm Epsom salt, 1-2 cups in a dish tub of warm water.
• Twice daily - Syringe feed Herbal Antibiotic and Immune System Support
• Daily vitamin supplement till eating vigorously
• Provide meat protien, diced fruit: grapes, melon or pears, Cooked grains
• Rest, no roosters, pestering hens or kids!

Hope this helps...don't be discouraged. Just do what you can, keep us posted.

God Bless and peace to you.

 

[De@n]

Thanks. she looks brighter today and the swelling has gone down a bit.
she has drunk a little and i tried a teaspoon of yoghurt. i cant get her to open her beak so i just coat the front of it and she gets some down. i will try that blackmore's

 

[nestleaver1]

Order some Digestive Enzyme capsules online. They are sold as a human dietary supplement. Make sure cellulase is listed as an ingredient. These will clear any intestinal blockage, which could be her problem. She will be very thirsty and wasting away. Lots of soft food and sugar in the water. Butt goes pasty due to dribbly, runny poo as no solids are getting thru. Is the crop full in the morning? Good luck.

 

[nestleaver1]

Return2health.net has Advanced Digestive Enzymes in the purple pot. These are not too dear and have cellulase. Get them!
And always post-mortem your chickens. Otherwise how will you know how to help the next one who gets poorly? There may be a plant they have access to ( I'm not up on Aussie flora but I bet goosegrass has made it there somehow) that has caused those deaths in the past.
Hope she makes it. Xx

 

[De@n]

these what you talking about?

 

[nestleaver1]

Yes! Mix the contents of 2 caps with gk yoghurt if she's eating that and get it down her! It'll take about 24hrs to work thru but then you should see bulky matter being passed.
Good luck! X

 

[nestleaver1]

But that's not goosegrass, it's Galium aparine. Wiki says it's naturalized in Oz so could be there. Enzymes can't hurt and might do a lot of good. X

 

[Lani loo]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/bald-butt-and-swollen-below-vent.120841/

This may be of use?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm very sorry, if her abdomen is swollen like that she most likely has an internal laying/reproductive disorder like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer or tumors. The swelling is probably from egg matter/masses, tumors, fluid or it can be a combination.

None of these conditions are curable - there is nothing wrong with trying to treat her. Some people do have had limited success in prolonging life by draining, giving antibiotics or other treatment - there are a lot of factors at play with reproductive disorders.

If you can keep her hydrated and she is able to eliminate waste and her crop is emptying she may keep going for a while. A hen with a purple comb is having difficulty with oxygen uptake - if she is in distress, won't eat/drink and can't poop - then it's kinder to end her suffering.

I am not trying to discourage you from giving her supportive care/treatment and making her comfortable. A lot of us have been through this, so I know the heartache of loss, trying to treat and the feeling of helplessness when a hen is this sick. The ones that I have opened up once they were put down - seeing what was in the abdomen - there was nothing I could have done to fix it.

I do hope you are able to give her some comfort - please keep us posted.

If you are interested in seeing/finding out what may be going on internally with her - you can check out these links - there are graphic photos and video of necropsy just to let you know.

Video discussing Internal Laying -https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/internal-laying-other-reproductive-malfunctions-my-youtube-video-graphic-photos.1201052/

Video Salpingitis - https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-necropsy-photos.823961/page-35#post-19084262 Same poster has photos here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fluid-in-belly-with-egg-floating.1202391/

This one is Peritonitis - but she did have fluid pulled as well - note the eggs that are in the belly - this can make it feel like it has fluid - the eggs can eventually become like pus (some is seen in the photos) and are a breeding ground for bacteria/infection https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/egg-yolk-peritonitis.1154532/#post-18103856

This is Salpingitis - some fluids in the belly can accompany this, but most likely the belly feels fairly firm https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/internal-layer-necropsy-warning-graphic-pics.635524/

This one is recent - initial the OP thought possibly flystrike , but when investigated further it become clear the hen had internal problems - this was also Salpingitis - but she reported the belly felt like it had fluid in it https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fly-strike-treatments.1192200/

This one discusses Ascites, has a few photos that Kathy posted - note the fluid - it may give you some information https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ascites-in-desperate-need-of-some-help-and-guidance.853726/