rachel m Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 today we noticed that nigella seems very drowsy and seems to be spending most of her time standing still. when we apprach the run she normally sqwarks to be let out but today she just isn't bothered, and instead of stratching next to her buddy she just wants to sit on the back step and doze off. delia is just leaving her to it and getting on with her usual chicken activities. her dropping are either runny or a paler clay like colour. she isn't eating, and can't be bothered to come over for corn. she has always had a wobbly fleshier breast than our other chicken,, but today it looks more so, but won't let us touch to see if it is firm. it looks lower down than her crop, but could it be distended this much? we are pretty worried as this is our first sick chicken, she has only been with us for about 8weeks, so is still pretty young. and it all has to happen on a bank holiday weekend, when we can't just take her along to the vets. has anyone got any advice or tips? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surferdog Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 Hi Rachel, don't have any advice to offer as also new to chook keeping. I've seen on here that if it's crop problems you should give them olive oil and if possible live maggots (from a fishing shop). Just wanted to say hope she feels better soon and I'm sure someone who knows will be along shortly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel m Posted May 25, 2008 Author Share Posted May 25, 2008 another thing i meant to mention was that she missed an egg 2 days ago but laid as normal this morning. have mannaged to keep her still for few mins to examine her, the swelling is lower than her crop and doesn't feel anythhing like delia's crop at this time of day. her actual crop is barely palpable, but this flabby breast (which has always had this appearance), now feels like a fluid filled cavity which fills my cupped hand. if she were a human i would be thinking that she has liver ascites and this is restricting her crop. she has not eaten much today, but has been drinking more this evening. is this ringing any bells with anyone?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 Hello Rachel Ooh, aren't they a worry, especially when they are young and you haven't had them long. She sounds a bit down in the dumps for sure! I suggest you just keep a weather eye on her for now. If she is eating and drinking then that's a good sign. If she isn't, then you need to try to get to the bottom of it a bit more thoroughly. If you could get hold of her (perhaps when it is dusk and she is a bit more sleepy: I always wait until they have gone to bed if they are flighty) and have a good feel of her crop? It should feel pretty full at the end of a day anyway, but if you could gauge it tonight, then shut her in the eglu and get her out tomorrow morning, without having let her out and without her having eaten, it should have emptied. That way you will know whether there is a problem with the digestion. Is she laying yet? If not, it might be that she can just sense changes afoot and is feeling a bit low... Do keep us posted with her symptoms and how she is doing. Try not to worry! easier said than done, I know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel m Posted May 25, 2008 Author Share Posted May 25, 2008 have just cleaned out the droppings tray, and on close inspection there are some white threadlike worms. could worms be the cause of all her ills?? will go to spr tomorrow for some vermex or flubenvet, nigella is worth the drive!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 They could. Also, a hunched appearance is typical of a worm infestation. Can you get hold of some Flubenvet and start her on a course? In fact I'd worm them all as a precaution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel m Posted May 26, 2008 Author Share Posted May 26, 2008 thanks for the advice, i am now trying to get hold of some flubenvet. rang spr centre, and although they have some in stock, there is no-one working on bank hol who is able to sell it ?! must be somthing to do with it being a medication rather than feed/supplement she has had a little mash with poultry spice this morning (thought she may like a change, but pellets still available to them) so alt least she is eating a little, and her tummy feels less fluidy and swollen. will have to send hubby to spr tomorrow, as can't think of anywhere else to get it today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted May 26, 2008 Share Posted May 26, 2008 Getting some flubenvet is a good idea. Chickens will naturally have different shaped crops as they fill up. Mine are all a bit different. And she may not have crop problems as all, which is why worming as a precaution is good. However, to see crop problem take a look at the picture on this post. http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25052 Then hen in the picture is my girl Henny who had a really huge, swinging crop even in the morning. It was either sour or impacted crop, still not sure. But I gave her live probiotic yoghurt and live white maggots. If you've got a fishing tackle shop nearby buy half a pint of maggots (take a container with holes, eg Flora tub). Or buy them online. I have used this company below. But you need to be in to accept delivery. http://www.wormsdirectuk.co.uk/default.php?cPath=24_60 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
