Single hen

[Chickenlittle]

Hi all,

 

not sure where to post this and just looking for a little advice...

 

We have four girls, two blackrocks, a bantam and a silkie, had them all from the same place, and around 10 months or so.

 

One of the Blackrocks has never been well, her comb has been grey and folded over, always looked a bit scruffy, but was happy enough - eating and drinking etc but recently she has gone down hill.

 

She first had a large lump under the skin on her neck, which seemed to go as soon as it came, and recently her feet have been so swollen, alsmost three times the size, scaly and she cant walk well on them.

 

A few days I go I lifted her and noticed the top portion of one of her toes was hanging off! I tried cleaning it with warm water. Over the past few days she hasn't made it to the house at the end of the night, we have had to take her, and she cant jump onto the perch so is getting covered in other chickens mess.

 

Today, She was just sat by the water bowl, eyes closed. I tried moving her to the food, but she kept falling over, and the portion of her toe that was hanging off has now gone.

 

I really think she's dying, she's not interested in food or water, even if i put it next to her mouth and she barely opens her eyes.

 

I dont know what to do, Ive tried making her comfortable, in a box with some straw and water but I think this is it.

 

If so, how do I dispose of her properly?

 

All other chickens are healthy and well, laying, eating and drinking. Anything preventative I should do for them?

 

ps: Just came in side and scrubbed up and noticed a lice on me, looks just like a nit. Not sure if its from Chicken or me.

[Egluntyne]

Have you taken her to the vet at all. It sounds as if she has needed to see one.

 

If not, I think it would be a good idea. If nothing else, she can be disposed of humanely there.

[Barkisland]

Yes, please take her to a vet asap. It is not ok to let her suffer. If she were a dog or cat, you wouldn't hesitate, so please afford your poor girl the same priority. And if she has got lice or mites, your other girls will need treatment too.

[Groovychook]

Please get her to a vet... it sounds like she's suffering...

[chelsea]

I agree with the others, she might be able to be saved if she has vetinerary treatment asap.

[Guest]

the kindest thing to do would be to take her to the vet, let us know how you get on. Please don't let her suffer.

[The Dogmother]

Yup, defintely take her to the vet.

 

Lice will home in on and infest a poorly bird very quickly, so you need to treat those too before they exacerbate the problems.

[Chickenlittle]

I'm sorry to say, my girl has died.

 

I feel awful as I should have done more.

 

not sure if this is good or not but, the lice was from me. shook my head over the bath before showering, and noticed a couple more.

[Guest]

I'm sorry to hear that, you do really have to act quickly with ill birds as they don't usually show major symptoms until they are very ill.

 

The lice could be from your chickens and may have crawled onto you. I'd give all your other chickens a good health check to see if they are infested. Check the base of their feathers for signs of mites/lice and/or eggs and around their vents particularly. Also check their legs to make sure the scales are lying flat.

[Groovychook]

Sorry to hear she didn't make it... xx

[chelsea]

sorry she didnt make it.

[Egluntyne]

Sorry to hear that she didn't make it.

 

Always best to seek help as soon as symptoms appear though.

 

You will be prepared if ever you have another poorly hen.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I'm sorry to hear that .

[raffik]

Sorry to hear that you've lost your girl.

 

I know how difficult to see. xxx