rouster78 Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 Morning All, I hope someone on here can help. I went to let my ladies out this morning and one of my hens doesn't seem right............... She isn't eating or drinking and wasn't interested in mealworms (that's how I know she isn't well, they are her favourite), she did a very runny greeny poo (Sorry TMI), her tail is down and her vent is constantly moving. She has been laying everyday without fail since she started about 4 weeks ago. Has anyone had anything like this before? I am very new to chicken keeping having only started 6 weeks ago with an Eglu Classic and three girls. Any help would be greatfully received. Jo x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebear100 Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 Hi One of my silkies had similar symptoms, took her to the vet she had a nasty infection in the tube from which the eggs are laid, her eggs also had blood on the shell. Vet gave her an antibiotic injection said she was very poorly but she is fine now... took about a week for her to recover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 She's obviously not right, if she's not eating or drinking. I'd separate her from the others if you can - maybe in a cat carrier or similar, if she's not active she won't mind a small space. If she's new to laying, it could be that she's laying a soft-shelled egg - that can make them very off-colour for a few hours. The green poo sounds like a possible infection, however. You may need to take her to a vet, don't leave it too long because she could deteriorate quite quickly. Sorry I can't offer more help, it could be any number of things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 It sounds like the vet may be your best bet Dont feed her anymore treats for now, put her on pellets and water only just in case anything is upsetting her tummy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rouster78 Posted June 14, 2011 Author Share Posted June 14, 2011 Hiya, Just wanted to thank you for all the advice. I have taken her to the vet this afternoon and they are unsure of the cause as there chicken specialist is on holiday. They have checked down her throat and her vent to make sure she doesn't have an egg stuck. Her temp was off the scale on the thermometer so they gave her an antibiotic jab and a multivitamin jab and if she makes the night we will repeat tomorrow. She has had some cucumber and grass since we have been back and seems a little better so fingers crossed. Thanks again xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy ben grace Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 Hi, will keep fingers crossed for your little hen. What a shock for you so soon into being a chicken keeper! Lets hope and she makes a full recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rouster78 Posted June 17, 2011 Author Share Posted June 17, 2011 Hi All, Just thought I would post an update on my lady........... We have been to the vets every evening this week for antibiotic injections and temperature taking, we are going tonight to make a choice on what to do next. She isn't eating unless it is treaty foods like cake, grapes, corn, mealworms. Last night I made her some scrambled egg and she polished it off. It's so hard to decide what to do as she is picking at these foods but will not touch the pellets that have all the goodness in. This morning I have given her another scrambled egg and soaked some pellets in warm water and added some oats and mealworms. She is picking at it and the others are enjoying it, the problem is I can't seperate her and I don't want them to get used to these special breakfasts. Her temperature started off off the scale but has only come down as far as 42 degree's which is still very high, I am stuck with what to do. The vet said it was fair to give her until Friday to make the choice but I'm totally undecided, I have never had to have any of my animals PTS Any advice would be gratefully received xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 A hens temperature is naturally very high. The temperature you have mentioned is within normal limits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 Personally would concentrate on getting/letting her eat anything she wants.. often once they start eating it is almost like it gives them the energy to eat... I use something called Critical Care Formula(your vets might get it quickly or have it) also Guardian Angel on my poorllies (it has the essential nutrients they need to get them past the critical stage. I have not tried it myself but some swear by Kaytee Formula. Chucky Mama reccomended something else the other day (sorry I forget which) Also this http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/shop/view/index.aspx/product/chicken-vet-amino-plus-250-ml-23 Might be worth looking at. liquid is very important and you get lots in grapes, cucumbers (my poorlies seem to know and really go for cucumber) Melon. sloppy mash, Good luck with her, I recently had one almost put to sleep but decided to treat her with cxxoid (she had cocci diagnosed by lab) and CC I gave her 1ml (of correct mixtures) every hour on day 1 on day 2 was able t give 2-2.5 every hour and sometimes 5 (missing here and there.) by day 3 she was eating on her own and has made a full recovery. so all the very best x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 I would agree with Sandy that: Personally would concentrate on getting/letting her eat anything she wants.. often once they start eating it is almost like it gives them the energy to eat... I've had hens that were hardly eating and after a few days of antibiotics and just picking at treats they did start eating their normal food again. I guess the real question is how is your girl in herself? If she is just stood there still, tail down and depressed then it might be time to call it a day. If she does seems to have picked up in herself and is more lively, personally I would give her more time. The way I see it, I like to give my girls a fighting chance. If they are suffering though, we will call it a day. It is always a very hard decision to make and it never gets any easier. Everything crossed for your girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rouster78 Posted June 21, 2011 Author Share Posted June 21, 2011 Hi All, Thanks for all your advice, it seems she has made a good recovery considering she was touch and go. I have to say though that after this issue it has made me question whether chicken keeping is for me, I seem constantly worried and stressed about them now. Thanks again, Jo x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Brilliant news, so pleased that your girl has picked up. I know that you said you are new to chicken keeping and it is a shame that you have had a poorly girl quite early on as it is bound to knock your confidence a bit. If you read a lot of the posts on here, several people have had second thoughts about keeping chickens for various reasons, me included. In January this year we lost 3 of our girls to peritonitis. It hit us really hard and all we were doing was worrying and grieving. Other people worry about noisy hens upsetting neighbours etc. It can be quite daunting at first but this is a brilliant forum, everyone is so friendly, helpful and supportive so you have come to the right place You will never stop worrying about your girls when they are poorly, that is only natural and it is always so hard to lose one but they will bring you so much joy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeckyBeak Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 You will never stop worrying about your girls when they are poorly, that is only natural and it is always so hard to lose one but they will bring you so much joy. I second that, even after nearly 3 months of Infectious Bronchitis going through the flock and it's ongoing aftermath. I go into the garden and am instantly uplifted by the welcome they always give me, and seeing my girls enjoying the sunshine, dustbathing, chasing butterflies... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
