raffik Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Belina is over a year old and has always been extremely friendly, running to me when I come out into the garden. She's always scratching, looking for worms and tender plant shoots etc. Always a happy and sociable hen, but this has all changed. She is now very withdrawn, not venturing out of the run, not running to me even when I come out into the garden with a bowl of sweetcorn or grapes. She just sits, hunched, withdrawn, uncommunicative and looking miserable. She has stopped laying alltogether. I have also noticed that she has lost a few feathers around her neck, and spotted my other hen pecking her. I have not seen this again however. Something is very obviousley wrong with her and I'd hate for her to be in any discomfort. I cannot get an appointment with the vet until monday. I have brought her into my utility room where it's nice and warm, and put her in a big box with fresh straw, food and drink. She is just lying there, not even trying to get out of the box. I initially thought she might be egg bound because of the similar symptons, and she has got very plump. So I massaged her vent with vaseline and inserted it slightly in, as recommended by eglutine, but no eggs have come out. I don't know if anyone can help me, but it helps to know you are all out there! Is there anything more I can do? What could it be? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 have you wormed them recently? they can stop laying and look poorly if they have worms. I'm sure someone with more knowledge will be along soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 so sorry to hear she is poorly. You've done as much as you can by keeping her comfortable and warm. An appointment at the vets will be a good idea as soon as you can. Try to keep her hydrated if you can, maybe make a sloppy porridge with her pellets with some poultry spice If she was laying I would have said it might be a soft shelled egg.... but to be honest im not sure what it is. The other hen may be pecking her as she senses she is unwell/picking up on the poorly signs. I really hope she gets well soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 You are doing the right thing till you can get her to the vets. If she has peritonitis she will have a swollen abdomen and will walk in a waddling sort of manner. Her comb may become blue tinged when she sits down too. Fingers crossed for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
