Fluffed up, depressed looking chick......

V

valeriebutterley

New member
Joined
Nov 23, 2010
Messages
891
Reaction score
1
Location
N.W. Surrey
My lovely, bright buff Sussex is fluffed up, depressed and just hanging around, any ideas anyone, please?
She is about 18 months or so, came through a dreadful moult to be absolutely beautiful again, and now this. She is eating and drinking but has stopped laying again, but they have just had a very major move and upheaval so I really do not know what to think about her, but I can understand them all being a little bit unsettled at the moment.
All of the chums who moved with her are OK. She was chief-hen-in-charge in their giant ark, but will lose her status to the POL girls if she mopes I am sure. She does seem to be losing weight as well. I have dusted for mites and lice and they are being wormed - as from yesterday.
Because of the move they have been especially petted and fussed over. What else can I do?
She is also standing with closed eyes, but they look OK, not nasty or swollen or yukky. At the moment she is immobile for ages. She also has very dirty knickers, it this mites or worms possibly?
Any help or comments will be appreciated from any kind friends out there.
 
First, I'm no expert so please consider my posting as other things to think about. I replied to this thread because (I'm afraid) I lost two hens in the last twelve months to ?similar symptoms.

How recent was the move? Any factors associated with this are the most likely cause.

If her fluff is mucky, she likely got an intestinal upset of some kind. Fluffing up and eyes closed is probably a sign of discomfort.
Check her droppings.. diarrhoea, blood?
What does she have access to in the grounds/pen? Another water supply or soak away? Particular plants? I know the others do as well, but chief bird will get there first and most often.
Is she gurgling or sneezing?

Keep a very close eye on her, (sadly) in my own experience when a hen is showing signs of being unwell then things can deteriorate quickly. Are the local vets an option?

We think the cause with our two birds was drinking from a (washing machine) soak-away. Incidentally, the first bird we lost was chief hen, probably because she was the most explorative and determined.

Sorry I can't come up with any definitive answers. Good luck and keep us posted,
 
Similar to moving washing machines and freezers, some birds just don't move house well. Give her some time, keep and eye on her and wait. If you are seriously worried speak to a vet. The fact that you are worming as well may mean she's got a little tummy upset or is waiting to lay. Complete your course and see how you go.

Look for other signs of ill health if you'd like. mucky feathers doesn't necessarily mean intestinal problems. It could also be lice, mites or just mucky ground.

If you have moved them to a new place they could be upset from the move and possibly egg bound or trying to pass a soft shelled egg from the stress. You can check the bottom, but if you don't know what you're looking for, it's probably best to either let her right her self with time and care or take her to the vets. Chickens can drop ill and die often. It's unfortunate but it happens more than people think. If she is in a safe place with warmth, food and drink. I would just see how she gets on and hope she pulls through.

Mine sit all fluffed up in corners or out of the way some days, but they aren't ill. they just like to rest this way, sometimes only on one leg!

Hope your bird perks up soon. all the best.
 
Many thanks to you both for your replies.
The move was to virgin ground under some huge trees that were lopped. My son built a wonderful topped run about 22' x 12' x 18' with a hut that takes 12 girls, and another that takes 4/5, and until worming they have been out in the garden. I have 11 girls in the compound, so loads of space, and they seemed themselves to sort out the new order, no fights at all.
They only have access to fresh water, pellets and treats (not for next 7 days, though).
The newbies (POL) all intergrated no problems, although we sadly lost my granddaughter's Bluebell who was under a year, but who had been previously subjected to 5 serious attacks by my feather munching Whitestar, but from which she seemed to recover. I guess the move was all too much for her, she was the most huge gentle hen imaginable. and I miss her beauty very much. Amy is needless to say very upset.
The run is yet to be planted with yummy things like grass, which it will be, very little else is there, just lots of lovely dry, scratching debris.
 
It's a move which to you will give them wonderful advantages but unfortunately the hens don't always see it that way - at first. Some don't take the stress of a move very well and otheres take it in their stride. I find layers are affected more than young stock. I give mine a pink mixture called Poultry Drink for a few days after a move and I like to think it helps but I have no proof. This is one of the very few additives I give mine and only at times of potential stress.
 
Again, to the kind souls who helpfully replied, thanks.
Solo (the Buff Sussex) is still with me, hanging in there, but not looking too good. I did a little bit of reading about possible causes, as one eye appeared to be a tiny bit gummy. It seems it is possible Myco-something, and that a a course of anti-biotics may be called for, someone else suggested a more natural cure, i.e. cider vinegar or garlic, so I'm going to try it and see how she goes. I have been a little bit neglectful
of the cider vinegar of late, so they are all being given it now.
A visit to the vet may be necessary, I have discovered a wonderful one a few minutes away, but if she can survive without, it would be better for her probably, stresswise.
 
valeriebutterley said:
A visit to the vet may be necessary, I have discovered a wonderful one a few minutes away, but if she can survive without, it would be better for her probably, stresswise.
Click to expand...

And better for you, pursewise as well, Valerie! I hope she makes it OK. Hard to know what's best, really - we're all being told to cut back on antibiotics unless life-or-death, but on the other hand if you're going to give them, best to get in there ASAP.
 
valeriebutterley said:
Again, to the kind souls who helpfully replied, thanks.
Solo (the Buff Sussex) is still with me, hanging in there, but not looking too good. I did a little bit of reading about possible causes, as one eye appeared to be a tiny bit gummy. It seems it is possible Myco-something, and that a a course of anti-biotics may be called for, someone else suggested a more natural cure, i.e. cider vinegar or garlic, so I'm going to try it and see how she goes. I have been a little bit neglectful
of the cider vinegar of late, so they are all being given it now.
A visit to the vet may be necessary, I have discovered a wonderful one a few minutes away, but if she can survive without, it would be better for her probably, stresswise.
Click to expand...


If you're worried about how much it will cost Valerie, maybe it might be better if you just give a vet a ring and ask for advice. They may be able to give you better advice, either to help or to have you come in. I posted about The Chicken Vet website in the health section. They may be able to help you or their website may help you with the symptoms you are seeing with her. Hope she pulls through.
 
One again, everyone, thanks for your advice,
it really is not so much the cost of the vet, but I do not want to lose Solo, and will probably take her tomorrow if she is not perkier; if anti-biotics work - wonderful. This morning she was brighter, but not brilliant, but eating and drinking. I thought a natural remedy might be better for her if it worked.
I never realised what an ordeal it was for hens to move, as they all seemed to integrate so well initially.
 
valeriebutterley said:
One again, everyone, thanks for your advice,
it really is not so much the cost of the vet, but I do not want to lose Solo, and will probably take her tomorrow if she is not perkier; if anti-biotics work - wonderful. This morning she was brighter, but not brilliant, but eating and drinking. I thought a natural remedy might be better for her if it worked.
I never realised what an ordeal it was for hens to move, as they all seemed to integrate so well initially.
Click to expand...

I hope that I am misunderstanding you, but if you care so much for Solo not to lose her, please have the kindness to get her care from the vets and not keep her in what could be painful and stressful for her. Not wanting to lose her is not really a good reason not to call the vets. Vets are not murderers, but they will not keep an animal alive for selfish reasons if that animal is in pain or stress. :(
 
I'm sure Valerie was not meaning to imply that she wasn't bothered about her hen, and she's obviously caring very carefully for her bird. Sometimes it is best to wait and see, because sometimes hens do just get better on their own, or else the vet isn't always able to give sufficient help to compensate for stress to the bird from a vet visit. I would perhaps be concerned if the 'dirty knickers' problem is continuing because this may indicate a gut problem which will respond well to treatment. If this is still troubling her, I would myself probably take her to the vet tomorrow, especially if you are lucky enough to have a good poultry vet in your new area. I've found that things can change very fast from one day to another - not only with chickens but with dogs and kids as well!
 
Marigold said:
I'm sure Valerie was not meaning to imply that she wasn't bothered about her hen, and she's obviously caring very carefully for her bird. Sometimes it is best to wait and see, because sometimes hens do just get better on their own, or else the vet isn't always able to give sufficient help to compensate for stress to the bird from a vet visit. I would perhaps be concerned if the 'dirty knickers' problem is continuing because this may indicate a gut problem which will respond well to treatment. If this is still troubling her, I would myself probably take her to the vet tomorrow, especially if you are lucky enough to have a good poultry vet in your new area. I've found that things can change very fast from one day to another - not only with chickens but with dogs and kids as well!
Click to expand...


I didn't mean she wasn't bothered, just that she wasn't going to call the vet because she didn't want to have her PTS. Sorry. It costs nothing to speak to a vet over the phone and most farm vet/ poultry vets are happy to do so and give minimal advice for no fee.
 
Neither cider vinegar nor garlic should be relied on as a cure. There is little if any proof that either works as long or short term additives..
 
Yes, I do care for my hen, she was the first one I ever hatched - hence "Solo". I was just hoping she would be able to make it totally by herself.
I have not seen her today so far, but if she is still ill, the vet will be visited today.
The vet is not a particularly hen or bird man, but certainly clever about working out dosages and translating them from horses to hens!!
I have not moved, Marigold, only moved the hens to a new compound in the same garden; and having decided to worm them after the move, they have not been loose since Sunday last.
Again, thanks to you all, will post on her progress.
 
Am I right in thinking, Valerie, that Solo looked ill when worming started? I ask because when a chicken has a heavy worm burden , worming can make them ill because of the toxins given off from dying worms. Hence the reason for worming regularly. In our case some need doing every 4 months because the runs are fixed. The free ranging ones seem OK at 6 months.
 
Hello Chris,
She was a little droopy, yes, when I started the Marriages, but not as she is now.
I do agree about 4 month or so worming for a fixed run, seems sensible.
She is going to the vet in a few minutes so hopefully, it will be better for her, and I will know then what is the matter.
I can honestly say, though, my hens mostly do magnificent khaki poos that are iced, especially at the mmoment. There are dodgy ones of course, as well, but I don't trail them to see who has done what. I have never ever seen a worm in a poo.
Wish me luck......
 
Just wondering how your hen is and how you got on at the vets with her. Hope it's good news! I have a sick Buff Sussex at the moment so I know how you feel!
 
Hi Sue,
thanks for your concern.
She had a jab, something for her eye - conjunctivitis, and a 7 day course of Baytril, for whatever ails her. Whilst at the surgery, she did a most spectacular green and water poo!! She seems OK and hopefully will perk up a bit when the antibiotic starts to work.
She is a great little girl and I would have been saddened to lose her. I hope your girl gets on OK.
It is a problem with these chicks who are great, running around causing chaos in the garden, then suddenly not well at all.
 
Glad to hear things went ok at the vets and hopefully she will start to improve now. I gave mine natural yoghurt when they were on the Baytril for the coughs and sneezes to counteract the effects of the antibiotics and they loved it! My girl is in the spare bedroom at the moment and so there are only 4 hens in the run and it seems really empty with just one missing!
 
Hi all,
my Solo is still alive, but not enjoying life, just about hanging in, hardly eating, so losing weight, still on Baytril. Hope your girl is OK, Sue.
I have meanwhile had another blow, lost my beauiful Jersey Giant girl, Ben, to much the same symptons, off colour, fluffed up, dead.
Her death was so sudden it happened in a matter of hours, from slightly off colour to dead.
All the others seem fine, my little Cream Legbar, is looking so lost, Ben was her soulmate, nobody else ever liked her very much!!
I was at the vet's getting medication for Ben with a view to taking her in later if she was not better, when she died.
Hens are so great, but a cause of such sadness as well, are'nt they?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top