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Poorly hen - any ideas??

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  • Poorly hen - any ideas??

    I feel slightly guilty posting this, as I have been sadly neglecting Rule the Roost of late, as all my girls have been tickety boo and the veggies have taken over my concerns!

    However, this week Heather, DD's slightly crazy brown hen, has not been her normal self. I had thought she may have been going broody, as she was lurking around in the eglu and seemed much calmer than she normally is (she always acts as though we are about to sieze and eat her normally, and is a very jumpy little thing, never letting us pick her up or indeed touch her). Yesterday when I put them in their run for the night she ignored all their treats and went straight to the water, and drank loads. I didn't see her this morning as OH let them out, but when I went to put them away I found her crouched in the grass, eyes half shut. She opened them when I went near, but let me pick her up, which is unheard of. She stayed happily in my arms, closing her eyes often. I put her in the nest box, where she stood up, but stayed put. I'm afraid of what I'll fnd in the morning I have to say. Any ideas what could be wrong, or what I might be able to do, assuming she's still with us in the morning?? She laid an egg the day before yesterday, and seems all okay in the vent/crop department, and doesn't look under the weather in any way apart from the lethargy and eye closing thing.

    I feel badly that I should have interevened before, but she didn't seem distressed. One last question, for those of you who have taken hens to the vets, was it horribly expensive??
    Life is brief and very fragile, do that which makes you happy.

  • #2
    A lot of hens seem to be laying "softies" at the moment, perhaps she's another one. Hopefully if that's the case, once she's laid it she'll be back to normal in no time. The excessive drinking is a bit worrying though, and I can't think of anything that would cause that. Hopefully somebody else will be able to put you on the right track. Fingers crossed for her
    My girls found their way into my heart and now they nest there

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    • #3
      I took four of mine with 'A Cold' snotty nose and sneezing. They were examined thoroughly, and given an antibiotic jab each, and the total cost was £25! I nearly died of shock - I was expecting MUCH more.

      My Horse vet was fab, my dog/cat vet would've charged double. Check locally to see who is reasonable, and experienced with chooks!

      Good luck!
      Last edited by Glutton4...; 10-05-2009, 09:56 PM.
      All the best - Glutton 4 Punishment
      Freelance shrub butcher and weed removal operative.

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      • #4
        My vet charges about £11 and it seems to be that whatever he does. He also prescribes antibiotics for me if I can tell him what the problem is so only charges for them (£8 for 4 courses). Bottom line is vets who know about hens are few and far between.
        I remember someone on the vine a few weeks ago had a £50 bill for very little from his vet.
        I'd go with Maureen and the possible softie. Try standing her in a warm bowl of water and get her to squat in it by putting your hand on her back. That works for one of mine who does this regularly. Make sure she's dry before tonight though as she could get chilled.
        Excessive drinking can be kidney problems. Hope she's ok this morning.

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        • #5
          Thanks for the replies. I've just come back from the plot, and am pleased to say that Heather is still with us this morning - I really thought the worst last night. She seemed slightly perkier, but soon went back to the lethargy of last night - just lying down with her eyes closed, or standing ditto. I had a good examine of her, felt her crop (ok), legs for temperature. She seems to have a slightly mucky bottom, but I didn't manage to actually see her doing a dropping, so don't know what they're like. The 'softie' thing is a possibility, I'll try the warm water trick. I was worried about her getting overheated today, as it is very sunny, so I've tried to encourage her into the shade.

          I have a horrible feeling I'll struggle to find a sympathetic hen vet around here, they'll prob think I'm a right case, but if she's still the same tomorrow I'll investigate.
          Life is brief and very fragile, do that which makes you happy.

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          • #6
            I hope she's slowly improving- poor thing doesn't sound very happy does she???

            As for hen friendly vets????..I think I'd get laughed at if I turned up at a vets over here with a poorly chuck under my arm
            "Nicos, Queen of Gooooogle" and... GYO's own Miss Marple

            Location....Normandy France

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            • #7
              oh dear i hope she is ok. I had a hen who was poorly and took her to the vets she was closing her eyes a lot. He gave her and antibiotic injection and gave me the rest of the vial for at home and charged £7. When mine are a bit off i bring them inside where its nice and warm without a draft so i can keep an eye on them. I would take her to the vet if i were you. I know a good avian vet in north wales, but its too far for you. Try googleing avian vet and see what comes up in your area. Keep us posted
              Jo

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