Katyed Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 Hi We have what appears to be our first ill chicken. A droopy comb, dirty vent, a tendancy to fall asleep during the day and she's been seen to sneeze. On the other hand though she stills seems perky, runs at great speed for treats and is still pecking about. I've tried to look at the advice on here but it all seems to be either worms or something very serious?! We've got worming stuff and we read that cider vinegar is a natural antibotic so we're starting that in the water. Any thoughts?? Thanks Katy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 Have you checked for lice or mites? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 How old is she? And what breed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 Droopy comb could be a sign she's dehydrated due to whatever else is wrong. If she's still eating and drinking ok then guess I would try treating for worms first and keep an eye on whatever else is happening. Check her breathing though and make sure it is just sneezing so listen to her breathing by putting your ear on her back. If you hear wheeze or rattle then she'll need some antibiotics. Hope worming works. But dirty bottom can be lice or digestive upset Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katyed Posted April 24, 2011 Author Share Posted April 24, 2011 She's almost 3 years old and a white Sussex. No sign of lice or bad breathing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Is she laying? Have a gentle feel of her tummy and see if it feels swollen, fluid filled or tight. You can compare how she feels with your other hens if you are not sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katyed Posted May 6, 2011 Author Share Posted May 6, 2011 Hi I posted about my hen before and got some helpful replies and just wanted to update. Her comb had dropped down and she had a dirty vent. We have been feeing her worming stuff and cider vinegar in the water. I think her vent has improved but her comb has not. We have checked for lice and tried to feel her tummy as suggested and everything seemed normal but we're not really experts. Its hard to tell if she's laying as our two older hens (which she is one of ) don't lay very regularly anymore and their eggs are almost idenitical. She is very chirpy and doesn't seem unhappy at all but the lack of improvement in the comb situation is concerning. Should we take her to the vet? Thanks Katy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted May 6, 2011 Share Posted May 6, 2011 I have merged your new topic with the old one to prevent repetition and so that people can see what has gone on before Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
