Poorly Hen

[Frenchhens]

Over the last few days, one of my hens (approx 3 years old) has showed signs of being unwell. She continues to eat and drink, but stays inside the chicken coop, wanders around the pen, but totally isolates herself from the others who roam free during the day. She has buffed out her feathers and seems a little off balance at times. Her eyes are clear and I cannot see any obvious signs of discharge. I have noticed that her poo is watery and yellow/cream colour. Can anyone advise of what may be wrong with her? Are there any other signs of an illness I could be missing? Any treatment or medication that may help?

 

[Marigold]

Is she laying, or has she recently stopped doing so? I was just wondering if she could be eggbound, as she seems to be sitting all tucked up. At 3 years old, oviduct problems are unfortunately quite common, especially if she is a hybrid who has laid a lot of eggs in her first seasons. What breed is she, and what is her laying history, I wonder?
Have you listened to her chest, any sounds of wheezing or rattling from her throat?

 

[Frenchhens]

Hello Marigold,
I can't hear any obvious wheezing or rattling. She hasn't laid for a few months now. This evening, she welcomed her evening feed, but seemed very unsteady on her feet. Her balance seems to have deteriorated throughout the day. She is a hybrid and was laying daily when I got her as a youngster!

 

[Marigold]

If she were mine, I would just keep her going with as much TLC as possible, make sure she has attractive and nourishing food, and isnt being bothered by the other birds, unless you want to get a vets opinion on her of course. It's hard for anyone on here who hasnt seen her to give you much advice, but at her age, being a hybrid, she's quite an elderly bird as often they don't go on much beyond 3-4 years. Maybe some poultry tonic might buck her up a bit as well. I hope she pulls round, do let us know how she gets on.

 

[Frenchhens]

Hello again Marigold, unfortunately she died on Friday night. I did as you said by making her as comfortable as possible but she showed no interest in any food. It's always sad you when you lose one of your girls, but I have the comfort in knowing she had a wonderful life roaming free in our forest with her buddies! Thanks again for the advice.
Regards