Wings dragging, need help ASAP!

[sara1226]

I have an 8 month old RIR who has had a decrease of energy, very pale comb (almost yellow), drinks a lot, very water like poop, and just stands up sleeping a lot with head drawn back. Symptoms sound like capillary worms. Been 2 weeks like this, treated with amprolium incase it was cocci.. But no change. I treated for capillary worms this morning, one pea size drop of safe gaurd 9am... Again, no change. I did also put a vitamin supplement in her water. Any other ideas? Please help, she is our sweetest hen and we don't want to lose her!!! Maybe the safeguard will take time to work? Maybe I should dose again?!

-Sara

 

[GitaBooks]

I'm not an expert on medication, so I'm not sure what dose of safeguard to use, however, I'm not sure the problem is worms. Treat for worms and offer some scrambled eggs for vitamins and protein. Could you post a picture?

I hope she gets better soon.

 

[Silkylover12]

I'm not an expert in poultry health, but I can tell you this... It's sick. Absolutely no question. Is there a vet that takes poultry in your area?

 

[sara1226]

I finally found a vet. It was too late, she did not make it. She was our friendliest hen. We are devastated.

 

[Eggcessive]

So sorry for your loss. Getting a necropsy by the state vet is a good way to find a cause of death. In some states the cost is free or minimal. Here is a link to your state vet: http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf

 

[GitaBooks]

I'm really sorry to hear that.

 

[ChickieAnnD]

So sorry for your loss. Was there a diagnosis?

 

[sara1226]

There was a diagnosis. The vet said she had fat molecules in her stool sample and other things that showed she was not absorbing nutrients. It appeared she had a sickness as a young pullet (about month 3 or 4) and it damaged and/or killed off the nutrient absorbing tissues. Meaning she was eating, but everything was just going out, not being absorbed. The theory also made sense because she had a pale comb and never put on weight since I got her at 6 months of age. She sure was a sweetheart. I wish I would have had more time with her. The only positive thing I can say is it seems it was not my fault, and it wasn't because of something I did wrong. Also it doesn't appear to be something the rest of my small flock can catch. Other than a broody who needs a bath, they seem to be fine. There was no sign of worms or bacteria in her stool sample. No lice or mites either.

The vet also said that sometimes when you are establishing a flock, this just happens... Sick, weak ones will die off until you have a stronger flock left. I'm new at the whole chicken thing so I didn't know that. So my problem is my little flock is down to 3, not much room for anymore deaths. Vet also said that chickens only live a few years, which was contradictory to what my friend who has raised chickens for a long time said. She claimed some make it 10 years or so. Anyone else??

My remaining 3 were searching for Pippi before they went to roost tonight. So sad! And gee.. Can you tell I'm still upset too? It's the middle of the night and here I am on byc.

 

[boskelli1571]

There was a diagnosis. The vet said she had fat molecules in her stool sample and other things that showed she was not absorbing nutrients. It appeared she had a sickness as a young pullet (about month 3 or 4) and it damaged and/or killed off the nutrient absorbing tissues. Meaning she was eating, but everything was just going out, not being absorbed. The theory also made sense because she had a pale comb and never put on weight since I got her at 6 months of age. She sure was a sweetheart. I wish I would have had more time with her. The only positive thing I can say is it seems it was not my fault, and it wasn't because of something I did wrong. Also it doesn't appear to be something the rest of my small flock can catch. Other than a broody who needs a bath, they seem to be fine. There was no sign of worms or bacteria in her stool sample. No lice or mites either.

The vet also said that sometimes when you are establishing a flock, this just happens... Sick, weak ones will die off until you have a stronger flock left. I'm new at the whole chicken thing so I didn't know that. So my problem is my little flock is down to 3, not much room for anymore deaths. Vet also said that chickens only live a few years, which was contradictory to what my friend who has raised chickens for a long time said. She claimed some make it 10 years or so. Anyone else??

My remaining 3 were searching for Pippi before they went to roost tonight. So sad! And gee.. Can you tell I'm still upset too? It's the middle of the night and here I am on byc.

It's always hard to lose a flock member - it still upsets me after several years.

Chickens can live for a good many year. Commercial flocks are culled after a couple of years, but backyard birds can go on & on.. some of my girls are now 4 years old and show no signs of ill health, although their egg production is not too good. I will not kill them simply because they have stopped being useful layers - they are entertaining and deserve to live out their days.

 

[GitaBooks]

Some breeds and hybrids are bred for production and average at 5-8 years of life. However, some of the landrace breeds and strains bred for longevity and health can make it to 15 years of age! That's longer than many dogs!