Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: Penny Finn on September 03, 2008, 11:05

Title: Yet another poorly hen
Post by: Penny Finn on September 03, 2008, 11:05

I know there have been several posts about poorly hens but none of them seem to fit mine.
Clarissa is just a bit off colour.  She is usually first to grab the lettuce, which is their favourite but she is just sitting hunched up in the run.  She has runny poo too.  Doesn't seem to be eating with her usual gusto either.
I know it's nothing drastic and I am hoping everyone will tell me I am being too over-protective!  Would be grateful for any advice.  Should I just wait a day or two and see how things work out?  They are both usually so perky and lively I hate seeing her 'one degree under'.

Title: Yet another poorly hen
Post by: Jellyhead on September 03, 2008, 11:37

Have you wormed them recently?

Title: Poorly chicken
Post by: Penny Finn on September 03, 2008, 11:53

No.  I haven't wormed them yet.  We have only had them since June when they were POL.  I didn't really think I needed to yet.  Do I?  If so what is the best product to use?

Title: Yet another poorly hen
Post by: Aunt Sally on September 03, 2008, 12:09

She sounds as if she has some type of gastric problem.  Could be worms could be bacterial.  

Feel under her wing near the joint with her body to see how hot she is compared to another hen.  If she feels warmer than the others she could have a bacterial infection which may need antibiotics.

Listen to her breathing - Is it rattley at all.  This could indicate a respiratory infection laying her low which may also need antibiotic treatment.

If they've never been wormed it would be a good idea to treat them all with flubenvet every 6 months.

If you can take a picture of her runny dropping that may be useful to us.

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