[aspirant]

I'm new to hen keeping and have a poorly girl - can anyone advise please? She's a Black Rock type, approx 20 weeks, and was healthy when she arrived 3 weeks ago. She settled in well with her six friends but is now off her food and mostly just sits around looking sad. We have tried to tempt her with corn, fruit etc but she only shows a bit of interest. More worryingly if she has to move suddenly she topples over, could this be because she's weak? No funny poos, sneezing or bullying. Help!  

[Aunt Sally]

Hi aspirant

welcome to the forum.

I would phone the supplier and ask if any of his/her stock has similar symptoms and also ask what they were vaccinated against if anything.

If it is possible isolate the sick bird from the others incase there is any infectious problem.

Let us know what the supplier says and how the bird is getting on, especially if she keeps falling over or has droopy wings !

[aspirant]

Thank you Aunt Sally. I have been reading other posts on the forum and have followed some of the advice. Checked under her wings for a temperature, if anything she was colder than the others. Her crop isn't full and she's not started laying yet. She's not falling over now and has eaten a few worms today. The supplier is a reputable one and all birds were vaccinated. I will keep an eye and post any developments. Thanks again.

[Aunt Sally]

It sounds hopeful then.  Keep her warm, possibly bring her indoors in a warm box with straw in and make sure she is drinking.

[aspirant]

Sadly poor Princess Leia is no more. She rapidly got weaker over the weekend and our vets was fully booked so my husband did the humane thing. She had developed the runs and refused all attempts to give her food or water, she was thoroughly miserable so we decided enough was enough. She had never thrived despite appearing fine when we got her, is it possible she was just a sickly hen? Our remaining five are in rude health and four of them now laying daily so it appears that it was not infectious, we will keep an eye on them though. Thanks again for your advice.

[Aunt Sally]

Bad luck - you did the very best thing, animals should never be left to suffer  :cry: