Another poorly girl

[frias]

Got back yesterday from a few days away to find Orchid standing in the run hunched up, tail down and eyes closed. Thought it might be a softie as her eggs are always fragile. (despite crushed egg shells, limestone flour, cod liver oil, marmite and an expensive calcium suppliment from the vet.) Anyway OH said she had been like it the day before too so decided to start with a warm bath. Noticed her crop felt a bit big and soft so tried to massage it and gave her a dose of Baytril. Crop not soft this morning but smaller and felt hard. I wasn't sure if it was impacted crop or sour crop although there is no leakage or odour so took her to the vet and he's not sure either! He's given me some sachets of Protexin a probiotic to mix with water and syringe down her throat. I've also given her some olive oil and another massage but I don't think she's eating or drinking. As soon as I put her down she just wants to be with the others so not sure if separating her is a good idea. Does anyone have any other ideas?

[Bramble-Poultry]

probiotic = yakult or actimel. chickens love yoghurt so try some of that next time as it might save you a few quid.

if you have a reptile shop near to you, pop in and see if you can get some "critical care" formula ina tub from them. its around a tenner and lasts ages. its a powder you mix up with water and syringe down into the bird. it contains all the electrolytes and nutrients you need to sustain her. give that a few times a day and you will be certain she is getting nutrient and fluids.

if you do bring her in, keep her dark and warm. warmth takes a load of their system and keeping her dark allows her to rest. We use stacker boxes with tea towels over the top to keep them calm. When i say warm, i am not talking 250w infra red, just a 60w fireglow hanging over head, or even just a hot water bottle nestled into the box. she can decide wether to snuggle it or not

[RichmondHens]

I think it's a "wait and see" job. If she is happy with the others, and they tolerate her rather than bully her, then let her stay with them. If they start to push her out of the group or peck her, then separate her. The important thing is to make sure she is getting water. She will cope without food for a day or two. Observe her carefully and if you are pretty sure she is not drinking then you will need to syringe some into her.

[frias]

She's not being bullied, fortunately she's usually high up in the pecking order. I thought she might snuggle up to the 2 oldest ex-batts that don't perch but she's on the perch as usual tonight.
I can get some live yogurt tomorrow but shot off to vet for a quick cure as supposed to be going to Spain tomorrow morning. Can't leave neighbour to medicate though so won't be going now. Oh well it was only a cheap Ryanair flight and might be grounded anyway due to volcanic ash again.

[frias]

Well the flight went early this morning and I didn't! I'm pleased to say Orchid is looking a little better today though. Seems interested in the greens I've just given them although I still haven't seen her drink any water which of course she might have done at 5am which is about the time they are getting up at the moment. I can keep an eye on her from the kitchen window.

[MaureenHall]

Sorry that you've missed your holiday Frias, but well impressed that you're giving Orchid the best care and attention ever Fingers crossed she's fine in a day or two

[Suechooks]

So hope Orchid perks up for you Avril. If anyone can you can! Shame you had to miss your holiday but it's probably raining in Spain anyway (or too hot and dusty!) Give her some mealworms from us! and a big {{{{hug}}}}!

[frias]

I think I might lose the battle with this one. Seemed perkier this morning but not interested in anything this afternoon. Gave the usual porridgy mix to the others and Orchid just looked at it and didn't even taste it. So took her out of the run to free range on her own. Offered her yogurt and even put it inside her beak but not interested. Not interested in spaghetti either although she did eat a worm, but only one. I've been syringing water down her with the medication. After 5 minutes free ranging she was trying to get back in with the others and as soon as I opened the gate she went back with them. Her crop feels small hard and gritty not squishy as it did at first. She's perching with the others again tonight so I'm reluctant to bring her in as she wants to be with them. Wish I knew what was best. If she gets better quickly I can go to Spain next week and still use my return ticket.

[frias]

Orchid spent the morning on the perch and only came out of the coop when I went to give her some water. Just stood in the middle of the lawn looking cold so she's in a dog carrier in the lounge. Won't eat or drink anything, not even a worm, and poo is now bright yellow. Vet has now given me Itrafungal oral solution and says unfortunately it might have spread to the others. They've all just had a pot of yogurt in the hope it might stop them getting ill. My neighbour is really glad I haven't gone away!

[Suechooks]

Oh dear thats a shame.

[frias]

Well despite not eating or drinking anything other than what she's had syringed down her Orchid's still with us and looking much brighter. One of the others also has fluorescent yellow poo but doesn't seem unwell at all. All I can do is wait and see. The yoghurt is going down well anyway.

[mr darcy]

Hope Orchid will be ok,
what is it that would cause the bright yellow poo? and how much yog should you give per hen and for how long? could one give yog from time to time as a preventative probiotic?

[Scarlet]

Blackhead causes bright yellow, foamy poo. The bird is usually very listless, feathers fluffed out, huddles up and stops eating but I think it makes them thirsty so they do drink.

[mr darcy]

Blackhead??? is this fungal?

[Scarlet]

No, I think its started by a worm - it attacks the liver, usually seen in turkeys who are kept on the same ground as chickens. It affects turkeys generally although occassionally chickens can get it. Metronidazole/Flagyl is used to treat it. Turkey club uk website will explain all! Although as a precaution I would seperate birds - it is very nasty