What is my hen dying of? Please help

[Lady of McCamley]

thanks.
eeee those links don't work. i did manage to get some greek yoghurt and acv soaked pellets down her.

That's odd, I just tried them, and they worked for me.

Basically it is soaking the hen in warm water and gently massaging her tummy to check for a trapped egg and helping it out if it is.

For the prolapse, using hemorroid or hydrocortisone cream and gently pushing it back in place. Some like to use honey.

For infection, administering antibiotics.

Hopefully they'll work for you here:

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/07/chicken-egg-binding-causes-symptoms.html

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/04/prolapse-vent-causes-treatment-graphic.html

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2015/03/causes-of-lash-eggs-salpingitis-by.html

 

[De@n]

yes i bathed her. it was all squiggy down there and a small bone like thing to the left. i have noticed that her skin is red and she has lost lots of feathers around the vent.
she is still not eating properly. i tried drying her and after about 2 minutes she peck and struggled off- now just standing in the sun drying herself.

 

[De@n]

sorry, i am not very savvy with hens but what does a prolapsed vent look like (i can't get images online)

 

[De@n]

there are two photos. will try to get one of vent.

 

[nestleaver1]

Hi there. I have successfully treated several hens with similar symptoms using digestive enzymes. You don't mention whether her crop is backed up? Or where you are? Goosegrass is a big problem in UK : the seeds block the gizzard and release cardiac glycosides leading to heart failure. The enzymes contain cellulase which will break down the burry coating and let the hen pass the blockage. You can buy them in health food shops. I got mine online. Natural Nutrients. Make sure you get capsules and they specify cellulase. If she'll eat you can open capsule, mix with yoghurt or scrambled egg and feed it to her. I have also injected dissolved powder into impacted crop. Green needle: no need for liquid to be sterile but give skin a wipe with surgical spirit and keep a bit of pressure on after injection. This may not be issue nut worth a try. Takes a day or so so start passing blockage. If you're in UK I could post some capsules to you tomorrow. Hope this helps. Kate

 

[Wyorp Rock]

3 yo..sick (about 12 days)
Lethargic, going into nesting box,hardly eating,weak and sitting lots,protruding rear and dirty,closing eyes,bobbing tail and droopy wings,purplish flopping comb
there are two photos. will try to get one of vent.

Hi @De@n Welcome To BYC

I'm sorry to hear that your hen is sick.
A photo of her vent may be helpful - you mention that it is protruding(?) is there any tissue hanging out the vent like a prolapse?
Does the abdomen feel bloated/swollen or like it has fluid in it?
If she has a protruding vent (prolapse) then @Lady of McCamley has given you some good information.
DOES THE VENT LOOK LIKE THIS? Photo from the Chicken Chick http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/04/prolapse-vent-causes-treatment-graphic.html

From your description and the photo of her - I would be inclined to say that she has an internal laying/reproductive disorder like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer, tumors or Salpingitis. If she is suffering from one of these conditions - there is, unfortunately, not a lot that can be done, but to try to make them as comfortable as possible. Swelling from egg matter/masses and fluid can cause difficulty breathing or a reduction in oxygen (purple comb). https://poultrykeeper.com/reproductive-system-problems/

Do the best you can to keep her hydrated and eating - if she she stops eating/drinking and is obviously having difficulty breathing, then it's kinder to put her down.

If you happen to lose her, then sending her for necropsy to your state lab or you can perform an informal necropsy yourself looking at her reproductive organs, abdomen and the heart, liver, etc. http://www.thepoultrysite.com/focus/contents/ceva_necropsy.pdf If you do open her up, if you wish, take photos and we will be take a look to see if we recognize anything.

 

[De@n]

I am in Australia- at the moment.
No her vent doesn't look like that thankfully. sorry, what i meant was the area all around it was kind of bloated and stuck out unusually.
what enzymes should i give her- we are rural and there isn't an avian vet near and parents won't want me spending heaps (vets are so expensive!)
don't think i will chop her up if she dies- just bury her quick

 

[junebuggena]

Are you sure she's not just broody?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

what i meant was the area all around it was kind of bloated and stuck out unusually.

Do you mean that her abdomen is bloated? Your photos would be very helpful.


Does it look something like this::

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/bald-butt-and-swollen-below-vent.120841/page-17

 

[De@n]

We have no rooster. last she came into contact with one was in a fight with neigbhour's two years ago. sorry, i am not home at the moment so can't get photos just yet.
she basically like that.