This is one of my Maran/Silkie cross hens of my flock that appears to be in poor health however I am unsure as how to diagnose or treat her.
Initially I noticed faeces beginning to accumulate around her vent and runny stool in the run over a week ago which I assumed was coccidiosis. I began a course of water administered treatment for the whole flock beginning this morning but after returning from work she seemed worse off.
The hen does not lay so initially I ruled out egg bound but am unsure.
The abdomen is swollen and while inspecting the area while she sat in a warm bath the area seemed tender to the hen.
I temporally have her in a pet box at home to keep a close eye which she remains standing in rather than sat.
I recently noticed her tuft appears as though it has lost some feathering.
The hen over the past two days has taken a cocked head position often and is more docile than usual.
I am unsure if there has been a loss of appetite but she is fed on layers pellets as is the rest of the flock.
No other chickens in my flock have exhibited any of these symptoms.
Edit: as she has settled down for the night her breathing has become odd as though her chest is pulsing with a raspy gargling sound.
Any advice or suggestions on diagnosis or treatment would be much appreciated.
Initially I noticed faeces beginning to accumulate around her vent and runny stool in the run over a week ago which I assumed was coccidiosis. I began a course of water administered treatment for the whole flock beginning this morning but after returning from work she seemed worse off.
The hen does not lay so initially I ruled out egg bound but am unsure.
The abdomen is swollen and while inspecting the area while she sat in a warm bath the area seemed tender to the hen.
I temporally have her in a pet box at home to keep a close eye which she remains standing in rather than sat.
I recently noticed her tuft appears as though it has lost some feathering.
The hen over the past two days has taken a cocked head position often and is more docile than usual.
I am unsure if there has been a loss of appetite but she is fed on layers pellets as is the rest of the flock.
No other chickens in my flock have exhibited any of these symptoms.
Edit: as she has settled down for the night her breathing has become odd as though her chest is pulsing with a raspy gargling sound.
Any advice or suggestions on diagnosis or treatment would be much appreciated.
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