Sick hen; need help diagnosing

[lhardin]

I have a Buff Orpington who is three years old and yesterday I noticed she was sitting still in the run instead of running around with the other hens. I went to investigate and saw that she could not stand up or walk. I have isolated her and am giving her water with electrolytes through a dropper, feeding her by hand (her appetite seems fine, actually) but her poop is black and white and runny. I gave her a soak in warm water with epsom salts and tried feeling around for a bound egg (didn't feel one but not sure I would know?)
She is not getting worse, but not getting better and still can't raise herself up on her legs or walk. Any idea what it could be??? Theres no cough or wheezing or runny eyes so I don't think its respiratory. Please help!

 

[Teenownschickens]

maybe calcium deficiency? Whenever chickens have calcium deficiency they can’t stand up. I’m not sure about the black poop tho. Keep an eye on her and if she gets even worse than she is now I suggest taking her to the vet.

 

[lhardin]

maybe calcium deficiency? Whenever chickens have calcium deficiency they can’t stand up. I’m not sure about the black poop tho. Keep an eye on her and if she gets even worse than she is now I suggest taking her to the vet.

Since the whole flock eats the same thing, wouldn't they ALL be affected if it were a vitamin deficiency? I mean I am willing to try it- any recommendations for how to administer calcium to her? Is there a tablet or something?

 

[coach723]

Do you know when she last laid? Is her crop empty, full, soft and squishy, etc? Feel it first thing in the morning before she has access to food or water, it should be empty then, if not it can indicate a problem. Feel her abdomen, below the vent, between the legs, does it feel bloated, soft and squishy or very firm? Compare with another if you are not sure. Is her keel bone prominent and sharp, or is it well muscled? Does she strain at all, is the vent pulsing like she is trying to lay?
If she's having trouble passing an egg then calcium can help with contractions so she can pass it. Usually if they are egg bound they cannot pass droppings as the egg blocks it, and that is an emergency.
Pictures of her droppings might be helpful. Sometimes it's hard to tell if they CANNOT stand or if they WILL NOT stand, two different things.
It's also possible she has a reproductive problem, which is not uncommon in birds over the age of 2, and can include cancers and infections. Sometimes pressure on the nerves from tumors can affect their legs.

 

[lhardin]

Do you know when she last laid? Is her crop empty, full, soft and squishy, etc? Feel it first thing in the morning before she has access to food or water, it should be empty then, if not it can indicate a problem. Feel her abdomen, below the vent, between the legs, does it feel bloated, soft and squishy or very firm? Compare with another if you are not sure. Is her keel bone prominent and sharp, or is it well muscled? Does she strain at all, is the vent pulsing like she is trying to lay?
If she's having trouble passing an egg then calcium can help with contractions so she can pass it. Usually if they are egg bound they cannot pass droppings as the egg blocks it, and that is an emergency.
Pictures of her droppings might be helpful. Sometimes it's hard to tell if they CANNOT stand or if they WILL NOT stand, two different things.
It's also possible she has a reproductive problem, which is not uncommon in birds over the age of 2, and can include cancers and infections. Sometimes pressure on the nerves from tumors can affect their legs.

I do not know when she last laid, but I have had in her solitary for three days and no eggs, so... not a good sign. She does seem to be straining and her vent IS pulsing. But she is pooping...? How do I actually give her the calcium? I have never had to give a chicken medicine before.

 

[coach723]

You can just put the tablet or capsule in her beak and push it back, she will swallow it. Hold her in your lap, pull down on the wattles with one hand and insert the pill with the other. Let go the wattles and she will swallow it. They can swallow a frog, a lizard, a mouse, a pill is not a problem. If you can get citracal +D or the generic equivalent, that form is best absorbed (calcium citrate). Dose for a standard sized hen is 600-800 mg for egg binding or egg shell issues.

 

[lhardin]

Thanks! Fingers crossed.
How many tablets do you think I will need to give her for it to take effect? And one a day, I am assuming?

 

[coach723]

Give it once a day, however many it takes to get 600-800 mg.

 

[lhardin]

Give it once a day, however many it takes to get 600-800 mg.

Hey, I just wanted to say, three days of vitamins and epsom salt baths are definitely helping my bird! She's walking again Still a little weak / wobbly but headed in the right direction. Thanks for your help!

 

[Eggcessive]

Hey, I just wanted to say, three days of vitamins and epsom salt baths are definitely helping my bird! She's walking again Still a little weak / wobbly but headed in the right direction. Thanks for your help!

So nice to hear that your hen is responding to the calcium and walking. Has she laid an egg?