princessbelinda Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 Hi peps This is my first post and a first for keeping chickens (I’m loving it) I have 3 warrens beautiful girls no problems up until now! They have all been laying really well. About 4 days ago I notice one was not as lively as the others; she is the smallest of the three. She was all puffed up and sunbathing (thought she might be cold) after all the bad weather we had so wasn’t really worried but now she just seems to sit there! perks up now and again, not eating that much, still all puffed up and has her eyes closed now and again almost like she’s sleeping she’s defiantly not right I have checked her over no obvious signs of anything, she is cleaning herself and pooing, don’t think she’s laying though. I’ve not changed anything, just use polarity tonic and diatom any suggestions?????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princessbelinda Posted February 18, 2013 Author Share Posted February 18, 2013 I've just noticed she's hiding her head to under her wing and her comb is sat very low to her head, not as pirky as the others. Please help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
good_egg Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 I don't really know but hate seeing posts on the clinic bit not answered as have been on the other end. How is she now? Do you have any nutri drops - if so would try giving her some. I fed on a treat rather than stringing unless had to. Is her comb red? How does her tummy feel - perhaps have a feel of another girl for comparison. Also have a look for parasites, dirty bottom etc. If she doesn't look well still perhaps bring her inside for the night? Fingers crossed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princessbelinda Posted February 18, 2013 Author Share Posted February 18, 2013 They all have had poultry tonic. Her comb is the Same colour as the rest. I will check her bottom lol and tummy tomorrow. She perked up a bit at tea time when the raspberrys and blueberries came out. Thanks for the advise though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 Oh I am glad she perked up,she sounded a bit similar to my sick one,who sadly died on Saturday.I couldn't feel anything but she was very light.The hen rescue lady thought it might have been peritonitis as ex batts are prone to this.Good luck with your hen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 I think she needs to see a chicken vet if she is still off-colour. Good luck with her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princessbelinda Posted February 21, 2013 Author Share Posted February 21, 2013 Still wasn't well today so off to the vet we went. Vet didn't have a clue.......not really surprised but a little ticked off after a bill for £50.00 when she had no clue . with out an X-ray they couldn't rule out being egg bound, chick had normal temperature, was on the light side she said, but no obvious signs of anything so she has said to quarantine chick and given us Baytril in her water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 £50!! I'm sorry it was so much. Was the vet a chicken specialist? General vets know very little about chickens. You could try sending off a droppings sample to Retfords Poultry Partnership for analysis. They might find something. Baytril often sorts out problems. It's usually stringed into their beaks rather than given in the water as continuous dosing isn't necessary and this allows you to control how much they get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loumabel Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 I am sorry to hear about your girl and that your vet was so useless and expensive!! For the future as egghead said I would try and find a vet that deals with chickens and other birds as most vets are completely clueless and you will get better advice on this forum than you will from them. As its so cold out, I would bring her in and keep her warm somewhere away from your other girls, pop her in a cat basket or cardboard box with lots of holes in it and plenty of bedding and some food and water. When my girls are poorly I give them avian electrolytes in their water and also give them critical care formula mixed in with their food or maybe try tempting her with some Tuna as this is proper poorly food for chooks and they usually love it. Good luck and I hope she perks up soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 Oh yes - do bring her in. It's very cold out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohcarolina Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 Whats her poo like? You say she's not laying. Could it be a softie thats broken inside her or that she's expelled? Have you noticed any odd poo in the run? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princessbelinda Posted February 22, 2013 Author Share Posted February 22, 2013 Not lodes of poo to be honest, not like the others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princessbelinda Posted February 24, 2013 Author Share Posted February 24, 2013 Well she's perked up! Woo hoo still sitting around a bit more then the others but I honestly think its because she's cold. She is really slim so not much fat on her to keep her warm any Surgestions on how to bulk her up a bit? I've brought her inside for the mean time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 Glad she's doing better. She might like a few sunflower seed hearts - they are high in calories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
