[rubyandissy]

Hi we have a chicken that seemed to be extremely poorly, thought it was not going to make it through the night.  Had it inside in a cat basket on a hot water bottle, bathed it, etc, thinking maybe stuck egg, but nothing.  This was about 3 weeks ago.  The chicken is walking about like a penquin, but eats and drinks as normal?  Is it possible there could be damage to its back??  I just cant understand.... if it was Peritonitis or something surely she should be dead by now??   

Any input would be helpful. 

Many thanks

[Casey76]

EYP (egg yolk peritonitis) starts off as being sterile.  This will result in a soft, fluid filled abdomen (which causes them to waddle).  At some point the EPY becomes infected, and it is from this point on that hens will look very sad and depressed, and will deteriorate quite quickly.

Does she still lay at all?

If not, then it could be that she is permanently laying internally; there is an implant available from your vet which will prevent her from ovulating, if you wish to pursue this route

[Beakybird]

I feel the best input you could have would be from a qualified vet (preferably an avian specialist). Your poor hen has been poorly for three weeks. It's unfair to just guess at what might be wrong with her (IMHO I feel that if an animal is in my care then I owe it to them to get it proper medical treatment when the need arises). The best results are most likely when a condition is nipped in the bud.

Good luck.

[rubyandissy]

Hi thanks for info.  Unfortunately I live in  Normandy, and the vet where I live would just laugh at you if you took a chicken to the vet.    I have a friend who can deal with the poor chicken.   She does seem ok apart from the waddle, she's hanging out with the other chuks, eating and drinking, her breathing and eyes are normal .  But it does seem thats probably what the problem is.  Poor thing.  Will get it sorted.     

[Beakybird]

Maybe it's worth phoning around or searching the net for a bird friendly vet? It may be worth asking your vet anyway (I think I'd be willing to be laughed at!) - if he/she can't help you they may know someone who can.

I'd find it very stressful if I couldn't get access to a knowledgeable vet. When I first got my girls I had no idea how little many vets actually know about hens - in retrospect, had I known the score and then found out there wasn't a specialist available, I'd not have gone into hen keeping. Thankfully, I have a fantastic avian vet - although I do have to travel to the next county to see him.

I wish you luck with your little girl.

[hillfooter]

This is classic egg binding posture and quite likely EYP.  Does she feel hot and squishy underneath like she's accumulating fluid which would clinch it.  An antibiotic is the only likely cure and usually the prognosis isn't good unless you can get it into her quickly which in this case doesn't sound likely.  Sorry to say.

HF

[NormandyMary]

Hi thanks for info.  Unfortunately I live in  Normandy, and the vet where I live would just laugh at you if you took a chicken to the vet.    I have a friend who can deal with the poor chicken.   She does seem ok apart from the waddle, she's hanging out with the other chuks, eating and drinking, her breathing and eyes are normal .  But it does seem thats probably what the problem is.  Poor thing.  Will get it sorted.     

Where abouts in Normandy do you live? I myself live on the Normandy, Pays de la Loire border. I asked at my vets if they knew about chooks and the receptionist said they did. I had to take my cockerel 3 times last year and although it was the first time they had had a coq as a patient at the surgery, they took great care of him. Pick up the phone and ask, they wont laugh, and if they cant help they will probably know a vet that can.