Wheels attachment

[gaufron]

About a month ago I got some hens from a local free range egg laying unit. They were about to be culled due to being 18months of age. I have gradualy introduced them to my thee older Black Rocks, who were not laying as well as in the past. One of the new hens has always been quiet and shy, keen to hide away. Now she is showing all the signs of a sick hen (I have looked at a picture in a book) I have gone into all the possible reasons listed. I am sure she is not crop bound, or egg bound no runny eyes or nose etc. Her comb is upright and red with a very slight blueness on the tips. Her wattles are also red and normal sized. She is not being bullied, the others ignor her. She has no appitite, I have tempted her with sweetcorn, biscuit crumbs even worms but after a little peck she looses interest. She is drinking and I have just added some tonic to the water. I belive, but am not sure she may have laid a very thin crumpled shell egg today. She does walk around very slowly occasionly and seems to enjoy a sunbathe but most of the time she stands hunched up with tail drooping. She is so thin that I feel if I could get to eat she will feel better. has any one any advice for me?

I feed them all on mixed corn and layers pellets and today tried the poorley one on layers mash.

thanks Stella

Edited June 30, 2011 by Guest

[sage]

Hi

Sounds like a trip to the vets needed as it could be anything. I'm no expert so hopig someone with more experiance will be able to help.

 

Sage

[gaufron]

No point in the Vet. We are in a remote rural area only one Vet who is expert in Sheep and cattle, dogs and cats (a bit) but nothing else.

[PeckyBeak]

Sorry to hear about your little hen, just a thought, but have you wormed her recently with Flubenvet?

[gaufron]

No I haven't wormed them because they came from a big professional unit all their medication etc was up to date. She is having a nice afternoon sitting in the greenhouse getting lovely and warm, she is also perching on a wooden board looking a little happier

[Chucky Mama]

No point in the Vet. We are in a remote rural area only one Vet who is expert in Sheep and cattle, dogs and cats (a bit) but nothing else.

It is still worth visiting if you think your hen is sick and beyond help from your nursing at home. Any vet even if more experienced in other species can tell if any animal is gravely ill or not and at the very least administer some antiobiotics, anti inflammatories or pain relief.

 

No I haven't wormed them because they came from a big professional unit all their medication etc was up to date. She is having a nice afternoon sitting in the greenhouse getting lovely and warm, she is also perching on a wooden board looking a little happier

It is worth asking if they have been wormed. Not all commercial set ups worm their stock as it is an added cost for birds that they don't keep for long. If they have not been wormed with Flubenvet, it would be worth doing them. I would however suspect that your hen's issues are possibly egg related. She may well be brewing another soft shelled egg. If this is the case it should take a maximum of 48 hours to pass. A little additional calcium/vitamin D for a week may help her. If she is ill beyond that time, she needs some professional intervention in my mind. I would be a little careful with her in the greenhouse as if she isn't eating and drinking the heat will further dehydrate her.

[sandyhas3chucks]

Have a look here

http://exbatteryhens.com/topic/3828959/1/

It is a shocking photo of a dear little free range rescue girl Veronica, And a very clear nasty photo of a one of a PAIR of mating worms (identified at Cambridge College) that were expelled after worming at release!!!

ALL vets have a duty of care and can treat with the very basics as has already been said.

General antibiotics (broad spectum) pain relief if needed.

OR for £30 you could send a sample to Retfords Poutry who will do tests for parasites and bacteria, and test to see what antibiotics will work against what ever there may be.

They will also send out the meds at sensible prices by next day delivery.

[gaufron]

Thanks for all the replies the problem may have been sorted. she was sitting with me on the patio when she did two tiny watery droppings followed by a long hard one about 4inches long and the thickness of a finger. Then she wandered off and scratched around with the others looking more lively with her tail errect. I hope this behaviour lasts, if not i will contact the vet he is good just not a bird expert. None of my books mentioned constipation in chickens

[sandyhas3chucks]

that's probably because they don't...

was it all poo or might it have been retained egg?

perhaps do a search on here for LASH there are photos also.

That "would" make some sens.

fingers crossed.

My vets are not "AVIAN" just darn good!!!!

[gaufron]

Yes all poo no egg but pieces of corn in it. She seems brighter but feeling intimidated by the others even though they are leaving her alone. I'm sure once her digestion is going normaly she will get stronger and feel more confident.

By the way who ever posted about her being in the greenhouse, she took herself in there and then left whe she was ready.

[gaufron]

Just an update for all who read yesterdays post.

She is so much better today still a little hunched but her tail is up and she out and about with the others and most important eating with an appitite. She obviously had some sort of blockage in her system so fingers crossed she is on the mend. Thank you to all who responded.

[Plum]

Sounds promising. Hoping for a full recovery x