minature Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Hi all, Although i am sure the answer to my problem is somewhere in the forum, I thought i woud tell you exactly the problem to see if it would get me the answer quicker so I can help poor Gertie. She has been looking a bit sad for a couple of weeks now, it started with her having very loose poo and a dirty bottom ( all stuck to her feathers), she didnt loose her appetite, so I put it down to a cold spell in the weather, but now she is hardly moving around with the other chickens, she just stands around with her tail right down and if you call her for a treat it looks as though her body is too heavy for her legs as she walks so slowly and yesterday she tripped on the path and fell over ( that nearly broke my heart). She is still eating really well, and her poo seems a bit more solid, but she is just so depressed. I have wormed her, given her a warm bath and dried her with the hair dryer. What else can I do? Please help my lovely Gertrude xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 How old is Gertrude? Is she laying/has she been laying? It's almost impossible to diagnose on the symptoms you've given above, but she could have an infection. If she is looking poorly and not joining in with the rest of the flock, then she is feeling very ill indeed. I would suggest you seek veterinary advice. Sorry, can't help much more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minature Posted February 27, 2012 Author Share Posted February 27, 2012 We are not sure how old she is as she is ex Batt but we have had her 2 years. She had stopped laying over the winter and I dont think she had started again. she does stay with the flock but she cant keep up with them as her poor legs just wont go very quickly. I am reluctant to go to the vet as he didnt seem to know what he was talking about last time, but ~I think I may have to. Thank you for your response, its nice to have some support xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadietoo Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 If you aren't happy with your vets advice/diagnosis, I have just discovered that our local poultry food supplier who also sell pol hens, will look over a poorly hen if you phone in advance. Is there someone like that you could take her to for a second opinion (..or perhaps the rehoming charity if she was ex-batt . Worst ways they may be able to point you in the direction of a more experienced vet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minature Posted February 27, 2012 Author Share Posted February 27, 2012 That's a great idea, I will ask around and see if anyone can help xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Poor Gertrude Are any of these a problem: swollen undercarriage which makes her waddle when she walks? Any problems with breathing (listen to her back), eyes or nasal discharge? Can you feel any heat/swelling in her legs? Have you checked her thoroughly in case she has lice/mites which would debilitate her, you should also check the housing in case there is red mite although that is less likely in winter. If you can't see/hear/feel any of these problems then it sounds like she might just be slowing down as an ex-batt girly or indeed has some underlying problem which we can't home-diagnose and treat. I think it might be kindest to take her to the vet if there are no more clues, as she has been going downhill for a little while. I think there is a list of vets on here which might help you a bit if you wanted to try a new one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minature Posted February 27, 2012 Author Share Posted February 27, 2012 I cant see anything swollen, and I cant hear any wheezing, and her eyes look normal. I have cleaned and sprayed the whole of their house, although I couldnt see any evidence of red mite. I have also de loused Gert, although again, I couldnt see any evidence of anything. I dont know what else to do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loumabel Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I would take her to a vet. If you are not happy with the one you went to previously, phone around and try and find an avian vet and they should be much more helpful. Most normal vet practices don't know the first thing about chickens and it really pays to find a specialist. I hope Gertrude picks up soon, they are such a worry when they are poorly. Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
