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

[Egghead68]

My poor Pekin has been out of sorts for about a month. She has been isolating herself from the other chickens, her weight has dropped from 980g to 910g, she is eating very little and has lost lots of feathers. She has also stopped laying. Does anyone have any ideas what might be wrong, please?

[stoice]

The feather loss could be a moult (Not a great time of year to do it but hey) they often feel a little grouchy and put a lot of energy into growing new feathers. They also go off lay because of it. This could explain the weight loss, combined with the chilly weather where she'd be burning more energy to keep warm. I'd give her some protein to help with the feather production and to put a little weight back on her. Some rinsed tuna, cat food or meal worms should help.

 

Other than that I'm sorry I have no idea. Maybe someone more knowledgeable will be able to advise. Hope she gets better soon.

 

S xxx

[Egghead68]

Thanks Stoice. She likes tuna so I'll give her some. She moulted in October/November so seems a bit soon for a new moult but could be I suppose. E x

[Egghead68]

I was wondering if it could be peritonitis, though. Does anyone know the symptoms?

[Egluntyne]

My Dixie Chick had peritonitis.

 

She stopped laying (after laying enormous eggs last year) her comb shrank, her abdomen became very swollen and she walked in a bow legged manner. She sat around a lot and kept herself to herself. The vet aspirated fluid from her three times over the last few months and she perked up no end each time.

 

She deteriorated rapidly recently and has been humanely culled.

[Egghead68]

Thanks Egluntine. I am sorry about your hen. Mrs P HAS started to walk a bit bow-legged and certainly keeps herself to herself. I hope this is not the cause...

[Egluntyne]

I'd pop her down to the vet. It might be something else altoghether

 

Dixie Chick perked up considerably each time the fluid was aspirated.

[Egghead68]

Thanks Egluntine. I'll hold off for a few days as she has gained weight and is scoffing food and isolating herself less. Fingers crossed... Will visit vet at weekend if still worried though. E.