Elderly cat breathing difficulties when purring

[h&schickens]

I noticed today the one of my Lohmanns is not eating at all. There is no food in her crop. She just keeps sitting down with her eyes closed. I have tried holding out some mixed corn for her which she usually goes mad for, but she is not interested at all. Her eyes look bright, but she looks like she has lost some weight!!

 

Anyone have any ideas what may be wrong. I am really worried about her and every time I go down to the run I fear the worse.

 

Is there anything I can do to help her?

[Egluntyne]

She doesn't sound well at all.

 

I would try to get some fluid into her. Perhaps you could syringe some into her beak.

 

She might eat some sloppy porridge made with layers pellets and water.

 

When did she last lay an egg?

 

Sometimes if they are about to lay a soft egg, they can appear very ill. It really seems to take it out of them.

 

Have you checked her carefully for lice? Any whit e clusters in the feathers around the vent mean that she has an infestation and that can make them ill too. A dusting with Johnsons Anti lice spray, or a dusting of Barrier louse powder will treat them.

 

Have you wormed her recently? An infestation of worms can make them poorly too.

 

Does she seem excessively hot? (Remember though, that a hen has a very hight temp comparatively speaking)

 

If she seems no better tomorrow, I would be inclined to take her to a vet.

 

Best of luck.

[h&schickens]

Thanks very much for the reply!!

 

I have just been down to see her. Saw her drinking water, but she still isn't eating. Now she is sat in the corner of the run with eyes closed again.

 

She looks really depressed and I feel really sorry for her, but i feel a bit better cause at least she is having fluids.

 

I don't think she has laid today, so fingers crossed and hope she is better tomorrow or I will consider a trip to the vet!!

 

 

Thanks again

 

Sarah

[WitchHazel]

It's most likely to be worms or an infestation of lice/redmite.

 

If you haven't wormed your hens recently I would recommend an immediate course of Flubenvet,

 

Also, dust them wiith red mite powder.

 

The best way to check for red mite in your coop/eglu/cube is to wait until Dusk or dark, then put your head inside. The mites are attracted to infrared heat, and will quickly find their way onto your head. If your scalp starts itching then you have a red mite infestation and can treat it with RedMite solution etc.

[Tessa the Duchess]

 

The best way to check for red mite in your coop/eglu/cube is to wait until Dusk or dark, then put your head inside. The mites are attracted to infrared heat, and will quickly find their way onto your head. If your scalp starts itching then you have a red mite infestation and can treat it with RedMite solution etc.

 

Seems a bit extreme. Has anybody ever tried this

 

Tessa

[amc]

Sorry had to reply as this post has made me laugh so much.

What's wrong with wiping the tried and trusted tissue under the roosting bar to check for red mite ?

Believe me anyway, you know if you have them. Don't have to stick your head in them

[WitchHazel]

I know it's extreme - but my Vet told me it's the only way to be sure.

[Keanie Bean]

I know it's extreme - but my Vet told me it's the only way to be sure.

 

I wonder if he's ever been brave/ daft enough to try this method.

 

Sarah.x

[WitchHazel]

I know it's extreme - but my Vet told me it's the only way to be sure.

 

I wonder if he's ever been brave/ daft enough to try this method.

 

Sarah.x

 

He's quite a character, and a chicken keeper himself...so it wouldn't suprise me!