Poorly Chicken

[zippi416]

Hi looking for some advice. about 3 weeks ago i got 3 pol chickens one now seems poorly, keeps sitting down closing her eyes, seems to be drinking and scratching about for food just seems to be listless tail down and when i went to catch her for a look kept losing balance havent seen her do this though when i not trying to catch her so may just be tense with me chasing her . i have read on other threads that they can go a bit like this for a few days before they lay there first egg any advice would be greatly appreiciated.

Thanks

[zippi416]

she is now just sitting still closing her eyes, she also often makes a funny noise a bit like a cough but not like any other chicken cough i have heard and has done since i got heri got them from a reputable breeder, doesnt seem able to keep balance when she moves, help needed thanks

[Suechooks]

She sounds poorly. I wouldn't like to hazard a guess but if she was mine I'd take her to the vet for a proper diagnosis.

[sheena]

Can you not go back to the breeder? Surely they would be concerned also, as if one has a problem, there might be others?

I suppose it all depends on how reputable the breeder is

[moola]

your chook is at POL and has just been 'rehomed' - so quite a stressful period for her - which means that illnesses can come out. I take it you are new to chicken keeping?... so I wouldn't imagine that you would be up for letting her see how she goes and then culling.

Take her to the vets tomorrow or Sat am (nb: check that weekend fees do not apply - you'll end up paying £££'s). If your vet reckons her chances are slim, if it were me, I would have her put down there and then.

Be easy on yourself and remember that sometimes kindness to animals has different ways of displaying itself. Yes, you try various courses of medication but in my experience (and getting my neighbours/friends through this sort of thing) it doesn't end up the way things you would hope it too. Big bills and a chook that has to be put down eventually or that won't lay.

See if you can find a poultry vet near to you - most vets struggle somewhat when it comes to chooks ..... you only need a few years experience of keeping them to end up realising that most of the time, you probably know more that what they do.

[MrsC]

your chook is at POL and has just been 'rehomed' - so quite a stressful period for her - which means that illnesses can come out. I take it you are new to chicken keeping?... so I wouldn't imagine that you would be up for letting her see how she goes and then culling.

Take her to the vets tomorrow or Sat am (nb: check that weekend fees do not apply - you'll end up paying £££'s). If your vet reckons her chances are slim, if it were me, I would have her put down there and then.

Be easy on yourself and remember that sometimes kindness to animals has different ways of displaying itself. Yes, you try various courses of medication but in my experience (and getting my neighbours/friends through this sort of thing) it doesn't end up the way things you would hope it too. Big bills and a chook that has to be put down eventually or that won't lay.

See if you can find a poultry vet near to you - most vets struggle somewhat when it comes to chooks ..... you only need a few years experience of keeping them to end up realising that most of the time, you probably know more that what they do.

Couldn't agree more, hope you chuck is ok! x

[zippi416]

Hi Guys

Thanks for your replys, I did call the breeder today and all i was told was to change the feed to a mash rather than pellets, so i have made a mash out of pellets will feed make that much of a difference they are free range round the garden and get a bit of corn as a treat.

This is my first chickens as an adult although was brought up on a small holding so very aware chickens can pop their clogs for no good reason, i am hoping that she will be perkier in the morning have put her in the cat box, i did take her to see a guy at the lottie who knows a bit about chickens and he said give her till the morning i have also given her a warm bath in the hope that its just maybe her first egg fingers crossed, i just concerned as she reluctant to move and seems very wobbly when she does but still is aware of goings on around her although i did take her to the rockery and moved a stone and she had no interest in any of the bugs where as one of my others flew across the garden to get them . i supppose i just a little sad as theres chooks at the lottie who are lucky if they get food and water everyday and they never have any problems and i have waited 5 years for my girls and they live in the lap of luxury with every wim catered for after months of research its sods law isnt it lol. lets hope the morning brings a perkier chicken and not a trip to see the man at the lottie

Thanks

Mairi

Thanks

[RichmondHens]

I agree with Moola too. The breeder ought to help you out here - any reputable seller should at least advise if the sale was only 3 weeks ago. Chickens sometimes behave a little differently before starting to lay but they shouldn't look ill (and from your description she sounds poorly).

[RichmondHens]

Your last post crossed with mine. The breeder is passing the buck. I doubt a change of diet will make any difference. She sounds ill.

[zippi416]

yeah thats what i thought she couldnt get of the phone quick enough, i know enough to know shes ill rather than just unsettled, a bit dissapointing really, the poor chook was the first escapee this morning to so wasnt expecting this

[RichmondHens]

Hope she's perkier in the morning but if not it may be kinder to let the Lottie Man do his stuff. Keep a close eye on the others too in case they develop similar symptoms. They probably will be perfectly fine and the poorly one is just a weakling - it happens - but if the breeder wants to keep her reputation she should be more helpful.

[zippi416]

i hope for perkier too, thanks for all your help im glad i asked here and feel my thought of it not being feed were right

Thanks

[moola]

fingers crossed for you. Hopefully it is just 'the first egg' issue. It happens when they stop laying (for good) and also when they come in and out of moult. Just times to watch out for. Try not to be disheartened, although it must be very difficult

[zippi416]

well she seems a bit perkier in her self this morning however is still unable/unwilling to stand, could it be calcium deficiency if so is there anything i can do or am i just clutching at straws,

Thanks

[Nicos]

It's so frustrating not knowing isn't it?

You know what?
I'd be tempted to pop her in a box and drive over to the breeder- unannounced- and thank them for being so helpful on the phone, but felt you'd not really described the symptoms very well- and could he please have a closer look and see what the problem might be
Say you're worried it might be contageous- but as she came from him, then it'd be no prob bringing her over cos he'd need to get a firm diagnosis in case the rest of his flock get the same problem.
I think he'd fall off his chair to be honest- and give you a replacement then and there just to get rid of you( take a clean spare box in the car with you so you can pop the new one in)
You never know-it could be an inbreeding thing too- why on earth should she be lacking in any minerals/vitamins if she's been fed properly- unless it's a metabolic disorder?

They get into your heart quickly don't they?- but it's wrong that he's passing the buck like that.

Good luck!