[jacko]

Hi everyone I am new though have been reading this blog for a while. I have three bantams - I am really worried about Bella (the 'mother' hen') who is a light sussex I think she ate some slug pellets or poisoned slugs recently (she got in to an area which we thought was secure) For a while she was very subdued and seemed to just sit or perch huddled up -  she has not laid an egg for 3 weeks and has stopped being vocal - now she is drastically moulting so much so that lots of feathers are coming off and she has large bald patches. She is eating and drinking ok but is generally not herself and a bit slow - Help am so worried about her
Jacko

[Vember]

If you think she has been poisoned wouldn't it be best to take her to a poultry vet asap

Sarah

[jacko]

Hi thanks yes I rang the vet and they said that they could poss only give supportive medication and that she may be open to other infections if she is affected by the pellets - we don't know for sure she did eat them the other two had got in the veg garden too but they are fine - vet said to see how she goes and if she gets the runs to take her in but still worried about the moulting as I said she is eating and drinking and dust bathes quite happily
Jacko

[azubah]

How long ago did she eat the slug pellets? If it was a few weeks ago she is probably OK. I once came across a hedgehog that must have eaten slug pellets and it did blue poop and seemed in great pain. If your hen just seems subdued and is losing feathers she may be moulting.

[Foxy]

hens can look and act really rough when moulting,particulary a heavy moult. it would be a good idea to give her a little poultry spice as a boost.

[jacko]

HI
it was about 2 - 3 weeks ago - vet thinks that it may be out her system but says that it can affect vital organs - nasty stuff slug pellets I dont use them but this was an eclosed area where we thought our girls could not get in! Am hoping she will recover its just alarming the amount of feathers she is loosing
J

[jacko]

HI
thanks for all the advise - by the way what is poultry spice?
J

[raeburg]

Poultry spice is a feed supplement for hens, available from most feed suppliers