Help! Sick hen!

[IvyYounts]

Help! Sick hen!!! She twists her head around, eats like a pig, breathes very heavy. She's been sneezing a lot. I'm going to try to add a video .... Any ideas of what this might be? I've been being told it's probably respiratory infection, and I've also been told gapeworms... What's a good homemade dewormer I could give her?
I can't add a video!!!!

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Try uploading a video to YouTube or Vimeo with a link here. Pictures may help, and give a description of symptoms. How old is she? Does she lay eggs? Is she overweight or underweight, or have any enlarged area under her vent area? How does her crop feel now and first thing in the morning? Chickens may adjust their crops occasionally which involves twisting the head about. If it is done constantly, there may be a crop problem. Does she have any mucus from her beak or nostrils, or any bubbles or drainage from her eyes?

 

[IvyYounts]

Welcome to BYC. Try uploading a video to YouTube or Vimeo with a link here. Pictures may help, and give a description of symptoms. How old is she? Does she lay eggs? Is she overweight or underweight, or have any enlarged area under her vent area? How does her crop feel now and first thing in the morning? Chickens may adjust their crops occasionally which involves twisting the head about. If it is done constantly, there may be a crop problem. Does she have any mucus from her beak or nostrils, or any bubbles or drainage from her eyes?

Ok She stop laying eggs. She is light. I don't think so. Feels pretty good now. It use to fill like a balloon filled with water. A little mucus also.

 

[IvyYounts]

Welcome to BYC. Try uploading a video to YouTube or Vimeo with a link here. Pictures may help, and give a description of symptoms. How old is she? Does she lay eggs? Is she overweight or underweight, or have any enlarged area under her vent area? How does her crop feel now and first thing in the morning? Chickens may adjust their crops occasionally which involves twisting the head about. If it is done constantly, there may be a crop problem. Does she have any mucus from her beak or nostrils, or any bubbles or drainage from her eyes?

Help! Sick hen!!! She twists her head around, eats like a pig, breathes very heavy. She's been sneezing a lot. I'm going to try to add a video .... Any ideas of what this might be? I've been being told it's probably respiratory infection, and I've also been told gapeworms... What's a good homemade dewormer I could give her? She also has trouble pooping! Her names Amelia
I can't add a video!!!!

 

[IvyYounts]

Hi, her breathing is horrible!!!!!!

 

[Turkens13]

I'm really sorry your hen is feeling so sick! Based on the symptoms you're describing—twisting her head around, heavy breathing, sneezing, not laying eggs, and mucus—it does sound like it could be a respiratory infection. However, gapeworms can cause similar symptoms, especially the heavy breathing and twisting of the neck (since they affect the trachea). Here are a few possible things to consider:

1. Respiratory Infection:​

• Symptoms: Sneezing, heavy breathing, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, and stopped laying.
• Treatment: Respiratory infections can be viral or bacterial. You could try a broad-spectrum antibiotic like tylosin or oxytetracycline if bacterial infection is suspected, but for viral infections, there is no cure, just supportive care (like providing warmth, electrolytes, and good nutrition).

2. Gapeworms:​

• Symptoms: Heavy breathing, twisting the head, gasping for air, and lethargy. Often caused by worms affecting the respiratory system.
• Treatment: For gapeworms, you can use a dewormer like fenbendazole (Panacur), which is effective for treating gapeworms. Wazine is another dewormer that can be used for gapeworms. It’s good to confirm with a vet, especially since respiratory symptoms can overlap with other issues.

Homemade Remedies:​

While it’s always best to see a vet for a proper diagnosis, if you want to try something natural as a supportive treatment while you're figuring it out, you can try:

• Apple Cider Vinegar in the water (1 tablespoon per gallon), which can help boost immune function and balance pH.
• Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties. A little crushed garlic in her food or water could help boost her immune system.
• Honey: A teaspoon of honey mixed with warm water can soothe her throat and help with respiratory irritation.

What You Can Do:​

• Keep her isolated from the rest of the flock to prevent potential spread if it's an infection.
• Make sure she stays warm, hydrated, and has access to fresh food.
• If she doesn't improve soon or if symptoms worsen, a vet's input is crucial.

If you can’t get her to a vet, you might try reaching out to a poultry expert for advice or to help confirm what’s going on. Let me know if you need more specific guidance on any of these steps!

 

[IvyYounts]

I'm really sorry your hen is feeling so sick! Based on the symptoms you're describing—twisting her head around, heavy breathing, sneezing, not laying eggs, and mucus—it does sound like it could be a respiratory infection. However, gapeworms can cause similar symptoms, especially the heavy breathing and twisting of the neck (since they affect the trachea). Here are a few possible things to consider:

1. Respiratory Infection:​

• Symptoms: Sneezing, heavy breathing, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, and stopped laying.
• Treatment: Respiratory infections can be viral or bacterial. You could try a broad-spectrum antibiotic like tylosin or oxytetracycline if bacterial infection is suspected, but for viral infections, there is no cure, just supportive care (like providing warmth, electrolytes, and good nutrition).

2. Gapeworms:​

• Symptoms: Heavy breathing, twisting the head, gasping for air, and lethargy. Often caused by worms affecting the respiratory system.
• Treatment: For gapeworms, you can use a dewormer like fenbendazole (Panacur), which is effective for treating gapeworms. Wazine is another dewormer that can be used for gapeworms. It’s good to confirm with a vet, especially since respiratory symptoms can overlap with other issues.

Homemade Remedies:​

While it’s always best to see a vet for a proper diagnosis, if you want to try something natural as a supportive treatment while you're figuring it out, you can try:

• Apple Cider Vinegar in the water (1 tablespoon per gallon), which can help boost immune function and balance pH.
• Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties. A little crushed garlic in her food or water could help boost her immune system.
• Honey: A teaspoon of honey mixed with warm water can soothe her throat and help with respiratory irritation.

What You Can Do:​

• Keep her isolated from the rest of the flock to prevent potential spread if it's an infection.
• Make sure she stays warm, hydrated, and has access to fresh food.
• If she doesn't improve soon or if symptoms worsen, a vet's input is crucial.

If you can’t get her to a vet, you might try reaching out to a poultry expert for advice or to help confirm what’s going on. Let me know if you need more specific guidance on any of these steps!

Thank you!! Yes, it really sounds like gapeworms. You did great, thanks again!!!

 

[IvyYounts]

Thank you!! Yes, it really sounds like gapeworms. A couple days ago I put garlic and apple cider vinegar in her water. You did great, thanks again!!!

 

[IvyYounts]

I'm really sorry your hen is feeling so sick! Based on the symptoms you're describing—twisting her head around, heavy breathing, sneezing, not laying eggs, and mucus—it does sound like it could be a respiratory infection. However, gapeworms can cause similar symptoms, especially the heavy breathing and twisting of the neck (since they affect the trachea). Here are a few possible things to consider:

1. Respiratory Infection:​

• Symptoms: Sneezing, heavy breathing, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, and stopped laying.
• Treatment: Respiratory infections can be viral or bacterial. You could try a broad-spectrum antibiotic like tylosin or oxytetracycline if bacterial infection is suspected, but for viral infections, there is no cure, just supportive care (like providing warmth, electrolytes, and good nutrition).

2. Gapeworms:​

• Symptoms: Heavy breathing, twisting the head, gasping for air, and lethargy. Often caused by worms affecting the respiratory system.
• Treatment: For gapeworms, you can use a dewormer like fenbendazole (Panacur), which is effective for treating gapeworms. Wazine is another dewormer that can be used for gapeworms. It’s good to confirm with a vet, especially since respiratory symptoms can overlap with other issues.

Homemade Remedies:​

While it’s always best to see a vet for a proper diagnosis, if you want to try something natural as a supportive treatment while you're figuring it out, you can try:

• Apple Cider Vinegar in the water (1 tablespoon per gallon), which can help boost immune function and balance pH.
• Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties. A little crushed garlic in her food or water could help boost her immune system.
• Honey: A teaspoon of honey mixed with warm water can soothe her throat and help with respiratory irritation.

What You Can Do:​

• Keep her isolated from the rest of the flock to prevent potential spread if it's an infection.
• Make sure she stays warm, hydrated, and has access to fresh food.
• If she doesn't improve soon or if symptoms worsen, a vet's input is crucial.

If you can’t get her to a vet, you might try reaching out to a poultry expert for advice or to help confirm what’s going on. Let me know if you need more specific guidance on any of these steps!

Where can I find fenbendazole?