PluckyHen2 Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Hi, I would be very grateful for thoughts on this hen. Been away for half term and friend looked after hens, she tells me this hen has been fine throughout however yesterday on my return, she immediately looked to me to be under the weather; hunched, head down, not eating / drinking and remaining in the eglu run, while the other 2 happily scratched about in the walk in run, her fluffy bottom feathers looking a bit stained with whitish droppings. Today she is much the same, very quiet and has put herself to bed early. She is still producing watery looking whitish droppings (have checked the pix available) and on checking her vent, she produced a slimy greenish poo with what looked very much like dollops of scrambled egg attached to it - not mustardy like some of the normal poo pics but egg yolk yellow and curdled. Her vent, however, is clean looking. She is very listless and making crooning noises when spoken to. She has been with me 2 weeks (from recent Coventry rescue) and has not laid in that time. Ironically she is the fattest and featheriest of my rescues and seemed in perfect health when I got her. I am in Wolverhampton and if anyone can suggest a decent poultry vet locally I would be delighted to hear. I have had ex batts previous to this and have found they can suddenly 'go off' ; whether its stress affecting the immune system, or being generally worn out, or something else I don't know but I have not successfully brought one back yet. Would be interested in other's experiences. Any thoughts would be hugely appreciated, thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 From what you describe, I wonder if she has peritonitis, her demeanour and particularly the egg coloured droppings might suggest that. Does her abdomen feel more fluidy than the other girls and does she look like she is waddling when she walks? I'm not sure how much you know about peritonitis but, if it is that, she needs to see a vet asap. We have lost four girls to peritonitis and antibiotics only helped one of our girls the first time but it will reccur sadly. The fact that she was the fattest and most feathered of all suggests that she has not laid for a little while and more energy has gone into feather production as she is not laying. As prey animals, hens will hide their illness well unfortunately and they can go from looking normal to looking very poorly within a very short space of time. We have a really good vet in Rugby but I think that would be too far for you? There is an avian specialist at Avonvale vets in Kenilworth and I know that Ian and Mollie (your Coventry coordinators) have taken girls there. Alternatively you could ring some of your local vets and see what knowledge they have on chickens. It can be difficult to find a poultry vet who is knowlegable and enthusiastic, particularly about ex batts. Good luck, let us know how you get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 I'd be worried about peritonitis too (or an abdominal tumour) - she really needs to see a vet. It is not something that you can home treat and she will feel quite miserable with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Bless her, it may be a broken egg and vet would fish it out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Bless her, it may be a broken egg and vet would fish it out Yep, could be that too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PluckyHen2 Posted June 5, 2011 Author Share Posted June 5, 2011 Just to say thanks to all, appeciated, will update. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 how is she? what did the vet say/do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceychristie Posted June 7, 2011 Share Posted June 7, 2011 Any news? I know this sounds really weird, but I'm convinced that just holding them on your knee, and whispering chirpy chip chap to them , makes them feel better. All our girls seem to do ok when we bring them home. PLEASE, don't blame your friend - we know what we are looking for, and they might not see the same things that we do. Love Stacey X Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PluckyHen2 Posted June 8, 2011 Author Share Posted June 8, 2011 Hello, Thanks to all for your advice and concern. Sadly Plucky has been pts. Found a good poultry vet nearby and took her; he inspired confidene, clearly knew his hens. She was very swollen abdominally and he concluded it was egg peritonitis caused by overlaying and possible poor diet in the battery farm, he thought he could feel one if not two mishaped eggs wedged inside her. He said we could try antibiotics but that virtually no hens made it, or surgery, but again, didn't expect it to be successful. He advised letting her go so i was prepared to take that advice. Poor hen - just goes to show what a hideous system the battery system is. Only consolation is that she had 2 weeks of freedom..... but its not much to show for a life, is it? On the positive I have some calcium and vit supplement for the two other girls to strengthen them and their eggs, don't want this to happen again if I can help it. Thanks again, all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted June 9, 2011 Share Posted June 9, 2011 So sorry to hear about your poor hen. We had the same problem with Maisie, also an ex batt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted June 9, 2011 Share Posted June 9, 2011 Sorry to hear it, you gave her a good chance and she new the touch of a loving hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 9, 2011 Share Posted June 9, 2011 Sorry to hear it. You have done the right thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceychristie Posted June 9, 2011 Share Posted June 9, 2011 (((HUGS))) Stacey X Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PluckyHen2 Posted June 9, 2011 Author Share Posted June 9, 2011 AWWW, thanks all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted June 9, 2011 Share Posted June 9, 2011 So sorry to hear this. Sleep tight Plucky She had two weeks of sun and fun, that is more than so many see... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
