Patridge bantam chicken poorly foot?

[Lizzie]

Hi

We have had our 5 ex batts for just over three months and recently, Henrietta has been making a yawning / gulping action. We also think her crop is harder by the end of the day compared to the others.

 

They have access to grit all day, eat layers mash / pellets and treats (either pasta spaaghetti, rice, porridge, weetabix, sweetcorn, grapes) once a day after 12.

 

We have gently syringed some olive oil into Henrietta's beak and massaged her crop and her crop was soft again this morning, but she has done the gulping / yawning action again and we are worried about her. Should we take her to the vets ?

 

Any advice gratefully received

 

Lizzie

[Christian]

Is the gulping/yawning done all the time or just every now and again? Chickens do this to help the food go down their 'throats' more easily.

 

If she is doing it all the time, it could be a sign of gapeworm, which can be treated with a double dose of Flubenvet wormer. Have a look in the FAQs section about worming for more info.

 

Hope she is better soon.

[Christian]

Hi Lizzie,

 

You emailed me instead of replying. No probs.

 

If they had a weeks' dose of Flubenvet last week, that would treat 'regular' worms but not gapeworm. This requires you to double the normal dose for a week. If she is only doing it every so often, then I wouldn't worry too much. When they have gapeworm, I believe it is very noticeable as they are constantly craning their necks to breathe.

 

I have days when one of mine yawns all day but is fine the following morning.

 

As Henrietta has had a crop problem recently, I would guess that maybe she is just moving food around. If you are in any doubt, then pop her along to a vet to be on the safe side. Sometimes you can see the worms in their throats.

 

Good luck.

[Lizzie]

Found where to post a reply now - thank you..

 

We will see how she is this evening and if no better tomorrow, take her to the vets

Thank you for your advice and help

 

Much appreciated

 

Lizzie

[Egluntyne]

With gapeworm they tend to have a harsh sounding cough too, as they try to expel the parasite.

 

If you decide to treat her with the double dose of Flubenvet, don't forget that there is an egg withdrawal durng the course and for one week after.