Patricia W Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 I'd welcome advice from all you experienced ex-bat keepers. I took home an extra ex-bat on Sunday ( purely to save Falkor from herself you understand). She hadn't been identified as a hen with a problem when they were all checked over, I understand, but suddenly, people noticed she was standing there, tail down and one wing hanging. However, I gather when she was separated and checked again she seemed Ok. Anyway, I took her home and she seemed OK at first, but yesterday, I noticed that she was again just standing there a lot of the time, eyes half closed, tail down and one wing drooping. From time to time, she walked slowly around and had something to eat and drink, but she certainly was not as active or as bright as the others. I had 3 eggs yesterday and suspect she is the one who hasn't layed but obviously can't be sure. This morning she is last out, and probably would have stayed in longer if I hadn't opened the egg port and she went out to get away from me. I want to be proactive about treating her, but frankly, am not sure what to do. Or am I worrying too much? Suggestions most welcome! Tricia Edited for spelling and duplication! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMyCluck Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 Hiya, could she have been hurt in the move from the battery house to the rescue centre? If so it should pass. Maybe its worth worming her just in case. Other than that I don't know. Maybe she's just a bit weaker and needs to TLC to build her up to full stregth again. Good luck, I love my exbats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted April 13, 2010 Author Share Posted April 13, 2010 I've noticed again that she is limping slightly so yes, it could just be bruising. I guess I just have to keep her under observation. Is it advisable to worm them straight away? I was going to give them a week or two to settle in but I'll take advice. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 Hi Tricia Oooh she still doesn`t sound quite right does she. Maybe some Lifeguard in the water or Net-ex nutri drops might perk her up a bit? Em x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceychristie Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 Hi Tricia, Well you've past the first test which is to observe their behavior. She may be egg bound, or worse still she may have a broken egg inside her. Is her poo ok? (blob with a white cap). It could be the move that's upset her, if so all you can do is try to keep her calm. If it persists, then either find a vet off the forums with recommended poultry specialist - but for FREE you can call the BHWT helpline, they are very good at advice. Best of luck Stacey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 Sorry to hear your chook isnt feeling the best. It could be that your girl was bruised badly when being taken from her cage hence the limp wing and limp. You could give her arnica pillules and this will help with the bruising. Avipro is a great tonic to give as a 'lifter'. Is she eating & drinking ok? At the end of the day is her crop full? It might help to have a few food & drink stations dotted about so if she gets pushed out of the way there is somewhere else she can eat. Layers porridge is always a great thing to give ex-battery babes - a mix of layers pellets, poultry spice, bokashi bran, sweetcorn and warm water. Do keep us posted on her progress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted April 13, 2010 Author Share Posted April 13, 2010 Thanks everyone. She was with the others when I left for work and looked brighter so I'm inclined to think it's a bruising problem. I've got some arnica so I'll try that. If it looks as though it's getting worse, we have a lovely vet at the end of the road who is an ex-chicken keeper, but we aren't at that stage yet. Im just aware, from my experience with my others, that chooks hide quite serious illnesses very well. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 Sorry to hear your chook isnt feeling the best. It could be that your girl was bruised badly when being taken from her cage hence the limp wing and limp. You could give her arnica pillules and this will help with the bruising. Avipro is a great tonic to give as a 'lifter'. Is she eating & drinking ok? At the end of the day is her crop full? It might help to have a few food & drink stations dotted about so if she gets pushed out of the way there is somewhere else she can eat. Layers porridge is always a great thing to give ex-battery babes - a mix of layers pellets, poultry spice, bokashi bran, sweetcorn and warm water. Do keep us posted on her progress this just about covers most things. IMO I would wait till they have settled down before worming at least a couple of weeks. If you have a look at her, you may actually see the bruising. you can gentty rub the arnica on her alternativly my vet recommends popping the arnica pilules in the water... the cheap coop cups D shaped that you can buy almost anywhere are good for putting in extra food and water stations. Unfortunately they can get very injured in the whole process. Keep an eye if you feel she is in pain your vet may give you some metacam for her. well done and good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted April 16, 2010 Author Share Posted April 16, 2010 I think the problem was a softy on the way. I found one this morning in the nest box where she had spent the noght. She was out with the others and looked much brighter - so fingers crossed - this is it! Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted April 16, 2010 Share Posted April 16, 2010 That is good news that she has passed it and is now perkier Just keep an eye she doesnt take a dip and pass another otherwise a boost of calcium will be needed. Put some extra grit down and add limestone flour to their food for a quick boost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceychristie Posted April 16, 2010 Share Posted April 16, 2010 Oh GREAT news. You'd think they'd know what they should do by now. Our bloomin' girls are still having a break from laying - soon have to BUY some eggs Stacey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
