Please help!!!

[Splinter022]

One of my black australorps have a pale comb, she’s extremely skinny, and when it looks like she’s about to eat, she just drops the food. She won’t roost, she only lies down on the ground. I came back from somewhere today around lunch time (I left super early so it was still dark out) just to come back to my hen still laying in the same spot she went to bed the previous night.

The first two pics is of her pale comb, and the third is of how skinny she is. They all have plenty of food and water, and I’ve tried feeding her alone but she wouldn’t eat. If anyone knows what’s wrong or how to treat her, please help.

*ALSO!* Some of my chickens have bumblefoot. We’ve tried cutting it out, but we couldn’t get it all out. I’ve been soaking their feet in epson salt and iodine. If anyone knows something else that may help, please tell me!

 

[CaptainPleasant]

Chickens show the same symptoms for everything don't they! Have you checked her for mites? I would definitely recommend putting her in an isolated cage or area so you can keep a close eye on her sickness. Sorry I can't be of more help
Also, is she very old? This was how my chooks behaved when they died of old age at about 8 years old.

 

[Splinter022]

Chickens show the same symptoms for everything don't they! Have you checked her for mites? I would definitely recommend putting her in an isolated cage or area so you can keep a close eye on her sickness. Sorry I can't be of more help
Also, is she very old? This was how my chooks behaved when they died of old age at about 8 years old.

Shes only about two. And I appreciate any advice I can get. And I have not checked her for mites yet, but I will do that right now. Thank you!

 

[Sneebsey]

Is that flaky skin on her back? A decent dust-bath should have knocked that off; do they have access to an area of dry sand or dirt to effectively bathe? I also fear that parasites could be the issue, and lack of bathing areas will exacerbate a mite or louse problem.

When you say that she is skinny, is she suffering from rapid weight-loss or just not eating? If the former, worms could be an issue, particularly at this time of year as it is often damp and warm.

The epsom salt/iodine mix should be helping to loosen the bumblefoot plugs; have you tried getting at them with a pair of tweezers immediately after the soak? Ensure you wrap the foot after cutting or exposing any tissue to avoid infection.

 

[Splinter022]

Is that flaky skin on her back? A decent dust-bath should have knocked that off; do they have access to an area of dry sand or dirt to effectively bathe? I also fear that parasites could be the issue, and lack of bathing areas will exacerbate a mite or louse problem.

When you say that she is skinny, is she suffering from rapid weight-loss or just not eating? If the former, worms could be an issue, particularly at this time of year as it is often damp and warm.

The epsom salt/iodine mix should be helping to loosen the bumblefoot plugs; have you tried getting at them with a pair of tweezers immediately after the soak? Ensure you wrap the foot after cutting or exposing any tissue to avoid infection.

Yes, they free roam so they have plenty of places to dust in our woods. And thats actually her stomach. I do try picking at their bumblefoot with tweezers and I do wrap their feet if I expose it. I couldn't find any mites or anything, and ill look into the worms thing. And I believe its both rapid weight loss and not eating. I have just noticed it a day or two ago because none of my australorps let me get too close to them, and that was the first time she was laying on the ground at night in the coop. She seems like she has no energy. I could be a couple inches away from her before she'll move. (Which is very weird for her)

Thank you for your help.

 

[Sneebsey]

I would worm them, definitely. Depending on where you are in the world, you will have different products available, but I would go for a broad-spectrum wormer and treat the entire flock.

Please note that mites do not actually go onto the bird until night-time; check the coop. If there is any greyish matter around nooks and crannies, that is a sign of mites.

 

[Splinter022]

I would worm them, definitely. Depending on where you are in the world, you will have different products available, but I would go for a broad-spectrum wormer and treat the entire flock.

Please note that mites do not actually go onto the bird until night-time; check the coop. If there is any greyish matter around nooks and crannies, that is a sign of mites.

I will definitely check her tonight and the coop, too! I really appreciate your help!

 

[Splinter022]

I would worm them, definitely. Depending on where you are in the world, you will have different products available, but I would go for a broad-spectrum wormer and treat the entire flock.

Please note that mites do not actually go onto the bird until night-time; check the coop. If there is any greyish matter around nooks and crannies, that is a sign of mites.

Chickens show the same symptoms for everything don't they! Have you checked her for mites? I would definitely recommend putting her in an isolated cage or area so you can keep a close eye on her sickness. Sorry I can't be of more help
Also, is she very old? This was how my chooks behaved when they died of old age at about 8 years old.

I’m pretty sure I figured out what was wrong with her. I think she’s egg bound. I’m soaking her right now. Thanks for all the help you guys have given me!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Good luck with your sweet hen! Keep us posted with her progress.
Bear hugs!

 

[Splinter022]

Good luck with your sweet hen! Keep us posted with her progress.
Bear hugs!

Thank you so much! I definitely will.