Underweight hen, but eating well

[littlefarmgirl9]

I have a problem hen named Penny. She is a BA who is 4 years old. I have long suspected her of a reproductive disorder, because she has had bouts of lethargy and illness before. But this time is a bit different because Penny is eying and drinking perfectly, , and she even looks alert, keeping tuned in to her surroundings. But she has stopped moving! When she walks, Penny looks perfectly fine. The problem is, she doesn't walk very much. She sits in the corner or in the best box with her tail down. But when she goes to the feeder she eats like crazy! Penny is very underweight. I canfeel all of her bones, and she has no fat or muscle. I suspected worms, but again-she is NOT lethargic. She eats and drinks and looks fine, if all you can see is her head. Also, she is the only chicken in my flock of seven with any symptoms. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Your first course of action should be to have a fecal float test done to see what is afflicting her intestines and why she is losing weight.
Any vet should be able to do so but I've found many won't. If you can't find a vet to do so, your state poultry lab will. What state are you in?

 

[littlefarmgirl9]

I'm in Michigan.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory


College of Veterinary Medicine

4125 Beaumont Rd, Ste 201H

Lansing, Michigan 48910-8103

Phone: 517-353-1683

 

[littlefarmgirl9]

Thank you so much! I'm definitely going I look into this. Can't tell you how much I appreciate your help--I wouldn't have thought of it on my own, and it's hard looking at my lil Penny suffering. Hopefully this works

 

[micstrachan]

I whole heartedly agree your first step is a fecal float. Good luck!