3-Year-Old Hen Lethargic, Not Eating

[ChickadeeChampion]

I have a 3-year-old hen (not sure of the breed) who was healthy at the start of winter, but recently she has become very lethargic and barely moves. She has almost no appetite, and her crop stays empty all day unless I hand-feed her food and water.

Her poop is very runny but doesnt seem to have an unusual color. Her comb is pale, and she keeps her feathers fluffed up.

Im not sure whats causing this, but Ill try to gather more details.

In the meantime, does anyone have any ideas on what might be wrong or how I can help her?

[GardenFowlGuru]

Have you noticed any wheezing, nasal discharge, or swelling around the eyes? Respiratory infections can cause lethargy and appetite loss. If she has any of these symptoms, antibiotics might be needed.

[Eggcentric]

Could she be egg-bound? Sometimes, hens can become lethargic and stop eating if they're struggling to lay an egg. Try gently feeling her abdomen for any swelling or hardness.

[CluckAndGrow]

You mentioned she has no appetite,does she show interest in food but refuse to eat, or does she ignore it completely? If she's drinking but not eating, she might have pain or an internal blockage.

[HenHouseHobbyist]

Keep an eye on her weight. A sudden drop in body condition could mean an internal issue like organ failure, reproductive problems, or a chronic illness. A vet visit might be a good idea.

[EggSeeker]

Since she's not eating on her own, it's great that you're hand-feeding her. You might want to try offering high-energy foods like scrambled eggs or soaked pellets to help her regain strength.

[BantamBoss]

Since she's lethargic and not eating, you may want to isolate her in a warm, quiet space so she can rest without competition from other chickens. Sometimes, extra care can help them recover faster.

[FlockGuardian]

Try giving her some Nutri-Drench or a similar poultry supplement. It can provide quick energy and nutrients to help her regain strength while you figure out what's wrong.

[FeatherAlchemy]

A runny but normally colored poop could indicate stress, diet issues, or even mild intestinal trouble. You might want to add some probiotics or electrolytes to her water to support digestion.

[FowlPlayMaster]

I have a 3-year-old hen (not sure of the breed) who was healthy at the start of winter, but recently she has become very lethargic and barely moves. She has almost no appetite, and her crop stays empty all day unless I hand-feed her food and water.

Her poop is very runny but doesnt seem to have an unusual color. Her comb is pale, and she keeps her feathers fluffed up.

Im not sure whats causing this, but Ill try to gather more details.

In the meantime, does anyone have any ideas on what might be wrong or how I can help her?

Have you checked for mites or lice? External parasites can make a chicken weak over time. Look around her vent, under her wings, and at the base of her feathers for any signs of infestation.