4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[jos]

Poor little Lollipop died last week from what I think was heart failure. Now Peanut is ill. She has been a bit iffey for a few days but has been eating a bit so I was just keeping an eye on her.

Today she won't eat at all but is drinking and drinking.

My vet is very nice but not very knowledgeable on chickens and all he usualy does is give me antibiotics when they are ill.

If she doesn't improve I will take her to him but I thought I'd just ask if anyone out there may have any ideas.

Basicaly her symptoms are that she is lethargic and very very thirsty with no appetite at all.

Any help really appreciated.

[Egluntyne]

Sounds unusual. I think I'd take her to the vet.

[Cazjohn]

I'd agree with Egluntine but it is difficult when the Vet is not used to treating chickens as is often the case.

 

The way I generally deal with a sickly chook is to run through all the normal things, worming, delousing etc.

 

And then try and tempt them to eat Yogurt (not with antibiotics), rice, spaghetti, tomatoes, grapes, worms,porridge or my latest favorite weetabix!

 

If you can get them to eat something, even using a syringe then it gives them a much greater chance.

 

Caroline

[Egluntyne]

The excessive thirst is a bit unusual and worrying and this was why I suggested seeking the advice of the vet. Even better if you can find one who knows her/his chickens.

 

How does she seem today?

[jos]

She is still drinking and drinking. I rang a poultry specialist who only deals with commercial flocks but was happy to advise me over the phone and he thought she could have a kidney infection. So I am taking her my vet later for a jab and a course of antibiotics. She is pottering around fairly happily although she is keeping herself aloof from the others, which is unusual, but she still isn't eating anything like she should. I have her in my kitchen now with a bowl of water and a bowl of mash and mealworms. It's the water she wants. The mealworms are being ignored.

Will let you know if my vet has any ideas.

J

[Egluntyne]

I was thinking it might be kidney related, so am relieved that you have taken advice from the poultry specialist.

 

Best of luck at the vet's

[jos]

just back from the vet who said she either had a kidney infection or kidney failure or a liver problem.

He gave her a B12 jab, an antibiotic jab and has given me a weeks course of baytril.

 

So now all I can do is keep my fingers crossed. I really need to get her eating again as she feels so skinny so I hope she responds well to the antibiotics.

Thanks for your advice Egluntine and Caroline.

J

[Egluntyne]

Fingers crossed for her.