Sleepy tired 22 week old hen

[BruceWithHens]

Hi everyone,

I have a 22-week-old hen who has been unusually sleepy and less active than the others. She’s eating and drinking but not as much as her flockmates. This morning, she stayed on the roost sleeping something I’ve noticed since getting her from the breeder 6 days ago, Her droppings seem to be ok, but she seems to be getting worse.

Has anyone experienced this before? Any advice on what might be wrong or how to help her would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[MomJones]

Your hen definitely sounds unwell. This could be a generalized 'failure to thrive' or even coccidiosis. Everyone on here will suggest a fortifying vitamin supplement that you can add to her water. But also, check her crop, and has she laid any eggs recently? She could be in trouble. In any case, always isolate for a few days and give her enriched food and drink. Examples are a mix of oats, raw eggs with shell (blended), yogurt and gatorade in a bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of mineral salt and a half tsp of raw honey into the mixture. I've seen sick hens "resurrected" after a week of this.

If there is no improvement within the next day or so, humanely dispatch her so she is no longer suffering and cannot spread whatever is ailing her to other chickens.

 

[Mrs. K]

Some birds do not do well with change. If I read it right, you have just gotten these birds, and therefore they are in a new set up, and probably getting new food and even different water dishes.

I think I would contact the breeder too. Ask her or him what they think.

 

[BruceWithHens]

Your hen definitely sounds unwell. This could be a generalized 'failure to thrive' or even coccidiosis. Everyone on here will suggest a fortifying vitamin supplement that you can add to her water. But also, check her crop, and has she laid any eggs recently? She could be in trouble. In any case, always isolate for a few days and give her enriched food and drink. Examples are a mix of oats, raw eggs with shell (blended), yogurt and gatorade in a bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of mineral salt and a half tsp of raw honey into the mixture. I've seen sick hens "resurrected" after a week of this.

If there is no improvement within the next day or so, humanely dispatch her so she is no longer suffering and cannot spread whatever is ailing her to other chickens.

 

[BruceWithHens]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and thorough advice, I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your expertise. After considering everything, I decided the best course of action was to return her to the breeder. They can monitor and isolate her properly, and their experience gives her the best chance at recovery. The breeder thinks she looks okay and suspects it’s stress related from the move, which I really hope is the case. Fingers crossed she bounces back soon. Thanks again for your help!

 

[BruceWithHens]

Some birds do not do well with change. If I read it right, you have just gotten these birds, and therefore they are in a new set up, and probably getting new food and even different water dishes.

I think I would contact the breeder too. Ask her or him what they think.

I spoke with the breeder today and they suspect it’s just stress from the move. However since she wasn’t improving after a few days, I decided to send her back for closer monitoring and professional care, I’d rather be cautious than regret not acting. I really appreciate your advice and support!