What's Wrong with Aretha?

[7 Biddies]

My black Australorp, Aretha, has always been the top chicken; active, noisy, curious, and a regular loud mouth. But, when I got home from work today, she's just the opposite; very quiet, sitting in the run while the others run around her, at and one point she looked like she was going to fall asleep standing up. Her eyes were closing. When I go to pick her up, she doesn't bother to squat, she just lets me lift her up. I put her in the hen house to get her out of the cold and wind, and she just stood there in the house.

What's wrong? More importantly, what should I do for her?

 

[Chick1043]

I had a hen like that. She started out like that then slowly went down hill and she died. Not sure what it could be. Maybe worms? Not sure! Hope you get an answer!

 

[loveourbirds]

when i am unsure of what is happening i usually follow this list.

1. if its a hen is she egg bound? if you can feel an egg by her vent, dab on some olive oil to help her pass it.
2. check for fowl mites or lice. small bugs and scabs near vent or under wings. dust with seven dust or diatomaceous earth.
3. check the bird's weight. if it is underweight try to get it eating by dampening its food, or try canned cream corn.
4. is the crawl impacted? if the bird is light and the crawl is full, massage the birds neck.

if you have dismissed these problems then:
1. add 1 tablespoon unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to 1 gallon of water and give her for one week.
2. put some vet rx under the chickens wings, look for mucus under the wings if present an antibiotic may be needed.
3. if the bird's weight is low, add a small amount of shredded dried tobacco to its feed, this is a natural wormer that seems to work well.
4. add some dried bread and lettuce leaves to its feed, the vitamins are going to help it.
5. check the grit content in our feed mix, make sure the bird is getting enough grit, but not to much.
6. add a good antibiotic to the water, or give penicillin only if you feel its needed.
7. after all treatments are complete, give the bird some yogurt. its good for their digestive system.

also check to make sure there is nothing stuck in the bird's throat, sometimes its just that simple.

i hope this helps. its not a cure all, but will help most ailments.