Chicken bald back

[catherinedon]

I havent been on here for a long time sorry ........oh no ( I went out to my hens and one poor lady looks like she is dying ..eyes closed on the ground twitching and struggling to breath moved her to a cool corner of the run and poured water on her but I think she will die Then I went to collect the eggs and to my horror 2 hens sitting in the nest one fine one rock solid dead To top it all of one of the other girls is walking around hiccuping and sounding awful ( I haven't left them out in the heat they have been in their covered run which is cool and sheltered with water and food and they also have an omlet cube house in there to go to (.... I have had hens for years and occasionally one dies but nothing like this. next door neighbour got 2 hens about a month ago and one died 2 days ago Is it just the heat?? Phoned the hatchery and they said nasty virus called pox going around and if they have blisters at mouth that's it and all need culling.... or coccidiosis ?? they sound very respiratory I acnt really do anything until tomorrow as dont drive have 4 children and hubby off work tomorrow (

[Geoid]

Seek veterinary advice as soon as possible for the sick hen. Try syringing some water into her. Give all your other hens fresh water and make sure they are in a shady spot.

[loumabel]

I think is a job for a good chicken vet. Could a friend or neighbour give you a lift to the vets? It does sound like a serious issue. I would bring your very sick chicken and possibly the other one inside somewhere quiet and pop in a dog crate or cat basket but make sure they are kept cool and try and get some water into them. Do you have any avian electrolytes to add to the water?

Not heard of pox but I am sure someone else with more experience than me will be along soon with some good advice.

[Beantree]

I suggest you do not take any of your chickens to the vets, but telephone and advise the symptoms. This may be a serious disease outbreak and you don't want to spread it.

[sparkysmum]

How are they today Ax

[PixieDust]

Yes, any news?