[whippet3]

Hi,we have a problem with 2 of our chucks.Ive read up but unable to find an ailment.Firstly,one of our hens appears to have had a stroke,it can't walk just drags itself along the house floor.She eats and drinks well but can't stand.She appears happy enough and doesn't appear to be in pain.She has been like this for around 4 weeks and has progressively got worse.This is my last throw of the dice before she has to be dispatched.Secondly,we have a 3 yr old hen who has swollen belly.She roosts in a nesting box and appears to want to lay an egg although she hasnt for months.A fellow allotmenteer has checked her,placed finger up the vent and states that she isnt egg bound.It's like she has a growth or something similar.Regards,Kim

[Lloyd]

As to the first one Kim, I'd say she's off her legs through overindulging in food. Its something I've not witnessed, but have read about. Try putting her on rations.

As to the second, no idea!

[bantam novice]

hello Whippet3 and welcome to the forum 

Sorry to hear about your two unwell hens .  I am not an expert and I'm sure that some more experienced people will be along to advise you.

In the meantime you might try taking the temperature of your hen with the swollen belly.  You can do this by feeling under the wing of one of your healthy girls then immediately use the same hand and feel under the wing of your unwell hen to see if she feels warmer.  If she feels warmer she may have a temperature which means that she could have an infection and need antibiotics.  You will need to get her to a vet as soon as possible.  If this is egg yolk peritonitis then the sooner you act the better.

I would also be inclined to take your first hen to the vet for a check-over.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[joyfull]

this is how I treated one of mine that had a stroke:-

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=81773.0