Alis girls Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 My hen Sharona keeps tipping backwards and trying to right herself with her wing. I thinks she has laid as the other hen is an old bird now. She seems to be moutling. Any ideas please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Heard recently of a case where dehydration was the reason for imbalance Alis Girls. They were using ACV in the water and the hens were not drinking enough. The first suggestion would be therefore to remove all additives from the drinking water, if you are using any. Moulting is a very stressful time for a chicken. That is when any latent problems are likely to surface. So it could be general weakness, a leg injury, ear mites or something else? Check her crop as sometimes they eat feathers and get impacted, so they are then not taking in sufficient nutrients. You could try Nettex Nuitridrops for a few days. I think even their minimum dosage is far too high and have now halved it, after adverse effects on one of our hens. So 0.5mL per Kg bodyweight for a maximum of 3 days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted October 1, 2014 Author Share Posted October 1, 2014 Had to got to work but did get some porridge down her and have given her some water - she wasnt impressed. If no better and I am doubtful if will last the night I will take to vet. I had another who nearly died when malting and she survived another yr on porridge and fluids plus calcium and poultry spice. If she dies I am left with an elderly lone hen. What to do. Thanks Beantree your adv might help - havent used ACV for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted October 2, 2014 Author Share Posted October 2, 2014 Sadly she died overnight. My elderly hen Maggie May was acting strangely this morning - charging up and down so put her out to FR. Shes on her own - and has starting laying which somehow is bizarre as I dont know whether she was laying all the time and Sharona had stopped. Question is now - how long do i wait before getting her company? I was planning a week or 2 to see if she developed anything. I have lost another hen during a moult and managed to rescue another before it was too late. I am concerned MM might lay herself to death too. Shes seems a robust old bird. Shes out lived all my girls - was purchased locally and has a wonky beak which makes her look geeky but shes my favourite and OH who at first thought we should take her back - now adores her. RIP Sharona. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 I'm sorry to hear about Sharona, but it was obviously time, and it sounds like she went quite quickly which is a blessing. As she went downhill so quickly I wouldn't think you'd have to wait too long watching Maggie May (I love your song themed names - you could have a Sheena!) before you could be sure she's not poorly and get her some company. That's just my opinion though and I'm totally unqualified to give such advice Good luck and sorry about Sharona. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted October 2, 2014 Author Share Posted October 2, 2014 Thanks Mullethunter - they are pop song names. As beantree said moulting makes them weak. I will leave a week - do a good clean and got to farm and re stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
