worm guilt!

[webby23]

Please help! I feel so bad that I missed the spring worming now my old girl looks like it's too late. I started her on Flubenvet yesterday as soon as I had my 'lightbulb' moment but she didn't want to get up or eat today and looks really droopy, so I fear I have failed her and left it too late. My only other hen has just hatched 4 babies in a seperate broody run so my worry is how do I treat her and the babies as there must be worms eggs about? Presumably I can sterilise Hen's house and run ready for when the brood need to move across? Poor old Hen, I'm so sorry I didn't think quickly enough to help you x

[RichmondHens]

First of all she may not be ill because of a heavy worm burden, it may be something else entirely. How old is she? I wouldn't worry about worming the others until the chicks are at least 6 weeks old. You can can then worm with Flubenvet in the usual way. You can add apple cider vinegar and garlic to their drinking water to help "cleanse" the gut if you are at all concerned.

[webby23]

Thanks RH, We can't be sure as we had her 3rd hand, probably about 5. She is a lovely old Ranger type hen who just likes to be with us, keen to join in picnics or doze under the bench if no more jaffa cake crumbs were available, gentle and very chatty. Tonight she is very droopy and tired, still has diarrhoea but no worms visible today, just her 'undercarriage' feels like a balloon filled with water.

[elizajay]

One of my older hens had that and it turned out she had a growth in her abdomen and the vet said that it was best to put her to sleep. She was a lovely friendly hen like yours. Sad.

[RichmondHens]

5 is a good age for a hybrid, it rather sounds like it is her time but if you think she is suffering then a trip to the vet may be in order.

[frias]

This sounds like Ascitis. I have had several ex-batts put to sleep because of it. Usually due to a tumour so nothing to do with worms.

[webby23]

Many thanks for the kind comments and advice - I had never heard of ascitis so that's something else to worry about now!! Have just found a good hen vet locally so that's the plan. Thanks again.

[Nicos]

I've had 2 hens with that- both didn't make it I'm afraid- fingers crossed with your gal- she sounds quite a character!