Single hen

[Shelley Cockell]

I noticed yesterday that Patsy wasn't herself. Standing alone in the garden, shutting her eyes every now and then.

Then last night I checked they were all in bed and found Patsy still sitting on the floor under the perches. I picked her up and gave her a look over - she looked fine other than her dpressed look. i put her up on the perch. This morning i checked on her and she was still on the perch where I had put her and all the others were out - very unusual as she is usually the first to lay in the morning. There were two soft eggs on the floor of the hen house. One was directly under her backside and there appeared to be a yellow discharge on the floor too.

I put her by the drinker and she took a bit of waterbut then wandered back into the coup. I have been out all day but as far as I can tell she hasn't moved or eaten.

She still appears to have a watery yellow discharge from her vent.

I have brought her into the house in a box and put some pellets with yoghurt mixed in and some water - she has not touched it yet.

Does anyone have an idea what it might be? I thought it was just the softie this morning but as she hasn't improved all day I'm not so sure. Vets is out of the question as we have always said we would not spend money on vets if they got sick.

[chelsea]

Sorry to hear she is poorly. Softies tend to make them appear unwell for 24 hours or so. She may still have some egg inside her...

 

I would maybe suggest cleaning up her bum area to make her feel a bit more comfortable, if she looks like she's straining to lay anything else you could also bring her in the warm and sit her on a warm hot water bottle covered with a towel. We have steamed a chicken's bum before to expel an egg (2 person job holding the hen over warm water steam).

 

If she was the same tomorrow and still looks unwell if it were me personally I would take her to the vet as it may be something entirely different requiring antibiotics- but as you dont there is not a lot else I can suggest.

 

Maybe someone else will reply soon.

[Guest]

does she feel bloated and hot underneath? If so she could have peritonitis, hope it's not that but have a look at this thread

 

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=539

 

if it was me I'd take her to the vets or if you're dead against that, do you know someone who could despatch her quickly and humanely? It would be horrible for her to suffer.

[Egluntyne]

I'd be inclined to take her to the vet particularly if she is no better by tomorrow.

 

If it is just soft eggs that are causing the problem, a soluble calcium and vit D supplement such as Zolcal D might help.

[Shelley Cockell]

Thank you for the replies. She hasn't touched the food I gave her and I 've tried tempting her with grapes and nothing. From the link you gave poet this sounds just like a softie stuck. She is not hot under the belly.

 

I am waiting for hubby to get home and then we will see what he thinks too.

I agree it is not right for her to suffer so if there is no improvement by the morning he will cull her.

We do not seem to have much luck with the beautiful white stars - our last one was taken by the fox! I hope she pulls through - I will miss her scatty manner and the white eggs.

 

I will try to get hold of the calcium Eglutine - thanks for the tip.

[Shelley Cockell]

where can I get the liquid calcium from at short notice?

[quickcluck]

I think some vets keep it, mine is coming from here and they say next day delievery..

 

www.hyperdrug.co.uk

 

could you not try the vet before such drastic action?

[Egluntyne]

where can I get the liquid calcium from at short notice?

 

You might try the type of pet shop that specialises in birds or reptiles.

 

Failing that, as has been said, ring round your local vets.

 

An equestrian shop might sell limestone flour, which could be sprinkled onto grapes if she will eat them.

[Shelley Cockell]

I rang round the local vets last night, but none of them stocked it but said they could order it in. I tried steaming her bum as well but all that was expelled was a tiny poo.

She was still looking poorly this morning and I've just got in tonight to see that she has died.

 

RIP Patsy

[Guest]

poor patsy, such a shame

[chelsea]

sorry Patsy didnt make it

[Plum]

Very sad for you.

[Egluntyne]

Sorry to hear it.