counturchickens Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Hi one of our new ex batts has suddenly gone all quiet, and her tail is down. She doesn't seem to have any appetite. She was doing really well, apart from a bit of a limp, which has improved. They are on ex batts mash, and I added some limestone flour last week. Were out free ranging yesterday could she have eaten something that doesn't agree with her. Also found a softie in the nest box this morning, not sure its hers but could be! Any advice welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 I would give her a health check, checking vent, crop,nose for discharge, abdomen for tightness or swelling, check for parasites & listen to her chest for wheezing etc. It can take a while to pass a softie and they can feel very unwell too. When did she last lay? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted April 26, 2011 Author Share Posted April 26, 2011 Thanks. She last laid yesterday and all was OK until about 6pm last night when the tail went down. The softie was there at 6am this morning. Fairly sure it was her as the other 2 are just carrying on as normal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Has she perked up since you found the softie? There may be another on the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted April 26, 2011 Author Share Posted April 26, 2011 Not perked up I'm afraid. Was worried she might have compacted crop as it felt like there might be a lump, but not sure as she is so thin anyway. We have only had her for 2 weeks. Tried syringing some olive oil and massaging in any case on the basis it couldn't do any harm. She did have a drink of water that, but not interested in food. We also tried her with some yogurt, so will see what the morning brings. We put the other 2 newbies in with our 2 existing girls, which fortunately seems to have gone ok, so she is in her own house and run, will have water and yoghurt for her in the morning and will know if she has laid another softie. Feel so useless, and really worried as it all came on so quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted April 27, 2011 Author Share Posted April 27, 2011 Not much change this morning, but she is now on the nest box maybe straining? I am now thinking and maybe hoping she is just trying to pass a softie. If no change later might try a warm bath for her? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Fingers crossed for her Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted April 27, 2011 Author Share Posted April 27, 2011 Well tried the vet who has diagnosed a compacted crop. He didn't recommend maggots, so trying olive oil and massage. Also gave her anti biotic jab in case anything else going on. She still looks really sad though should I try the maggots? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy ben grace Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Not an expert on the maggot front, just wanted to wish your poor little hen well. Lets hope and pray she has improved a bit tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
