[peterrjay]

One of my hens, a 10 month old Rhode Island Red cross (more black) is very poorly. I would appreciate any help. The symptoms are: Feeling very sorry for herself, does not eat, will drink water, the comb etc are no longer bright red, but looking dull and shrunken. Spends most of the day just standing still and having no interest in anything. I am obviously concerned but have no idea how to help... Pete.   

[Vember]

Hi Pete

A couple of questions
Has she laid since you've had her? When did she last?
When did she last eat drink that you know of?
What are her poops like? Some pics of poops here is it like any of these?
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=17568.0

Have you had a good look through her feathers especially round her vent to check that there are no creepy crawlies ?
Is she coughing / sneezing?

Sarah

[peterrjay]

Thanks for your quick reply. She was laying before the cold weather and short days. Having said that she was also very broody last year, had to lift her out of the nest to eat. Also always been a bit nervous. I only have 4 hens,but it is still  difficult to know who poops what !! She last ate small amounts 2 days ago and will come out of the house/run eventually first thing in the morning, just for a drink. ANY offer of food is declined. Has started to walk a bit peculiar, in that it is almost like a goose-step. I am NOT winding you up here.

[Vember]

It may be a good idea to pick her up and gently feel underneath her from her vent down towards her feet.
To check that she isn't egg bound. You will feel an egg shaped lump if there is one But I cannot stress enough that you have to take care when doing this as breaking any egg inside her will cause more damage.
But I think this will only be useful as a measure to rule it out as a problem.

Also do check her over for mites there are some pics here to help give you an idea of what to look for:
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=5250.0
Again as a ruling out measure

Have you ever wormed them? It may be an idea to if you haven't

There are a lot of possibilities as to what could be wrong with her
If she hasn't eaten for two days it may be best for her if you could find her a poultry friendly vet to give her the once over


Sarah