Hen with Extreme Stress and Anxiety when Picked Up

[tt1912]

Hi! One of my hens is currently experiencing some respiratory issues and I have been giving her VetRx to help. Whenever I pick her up to apply it, her body completely freezes and she begins heaving and panting like crazy.
I don't pick her up aggressively or snatch her, it usually takes a bit of chasing and i always make sure to be gentle and not pick her up in a way that would crush her lungs. This has happened previously when I tried to pick her up and wash her bum, to which she almost passed out. Afterwards, she stays frozen for a while and immediately walks back to the coop.
I've had her for years now and she has no problem with me being around her, but when it comes to picking her up, she freaks out. I'm worried because I NEED to give her certain medicines to help her and sometimes I really need to make sure her hygiene is right!

Any tips on what to do or how I can help her? Thank you so much!

 

[User690263]

Is it possible to administer the medication without picking her up?
If not try wrapping her in a towel and covering her head, that should calm her down. You could also try doing it after it's dark out, as chickens seem to turn into "zombies" when it's dark.

 

[User690263]

Is it possible to administer the medication without picking her up?
If not try wrapping her in a towel and covering her head, that should calm her down. You could also try doing it after it's dark out, as chickens seem to turn into "zombies" when it's dark.

By zombies I mean that they're slow and generally more relaxed, sort of in a trance-like state

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Do not chase her in the heat of the day! Chickens can die of heat stroke. Wait until evening when she's on the roost and it's dark. Chickens don't see well in the dark. Either have a helper to hold her, or tuck her under one arm like a football, pinning her wings so she can't struggle, or wrap her in a towel. Work quickly to minimize stress. It helps to have a head lamp to leave your hands free and if you can get one with a red light option that would be best. Wal mart should have them for about $5.