What is wrong??

[sadie423]

One of our chickens- a silver laced wyandotte- about 9 months old- has been acting off lately. She's really round (that could just be her though) but she looks like a ball- unlike her sister who has a neck. And she'll stand off away from the rest, closing her eyes a lot, standing still. She's got a real dirty butt a lot- poop on her feathers and such. She did this a month or so ago and seemed to get better in a few days. But today I noticed there was poop with blood in it- I am not positive it is her's but I am assuming. He comb is looking a little sunken and not very bright.

I don't know if she is laying or not. We have 22 chickens and get the eggs a couple times a day, I haven't *seen* her laying in awhile but I don't see many of them, and they have slowed down somewhat in the colder weather.

I am not sure what to do, if anything, or what is wrong. My 7 yr old is very sensitive to this- we've lost 3 so far this year (2 to dogs and 1 to natural causes) and he is worried.

Thanks
Sarah

 

[silkiechicken]

If you have a vet on hand, take a fecal sample in for a "fecal float test". That can determine what kinds of internal paracites there are if there is any. The blood in the blood, lethargic nature, and loss of appetite signal cocci to me, which is something treatable and diagnosable by a fecal float test.

For now, bring her in, keep her warm, and try to make sure she eats. Egg yolk is good and if you have any vits and electrolytes, that would also be good.

 

[Chicabee19]

Anytime you have a sick bird, it should be isolated in case whatever it is is catching. If she's isolated, you'll know whether she is laying or not.

Being as round as you say could mean she is egg-bound. Pick her up and feel around the front of her - if you can feel hardness or lumps, that could be her problem.

Check her crop right under the neck area in front - if it's big and hard, could be she has sour or plugged up crop.