Chicken Hospital

I found Harriet in her coop yesterday afternoon VERY stressed, lying on her side, panting heavily, and not able to stand. I quickly brought her inside, laid her on the cold tile and gave her some water. She didn't appear to be egg bound (thank goodness), so I assumed she was in some kind of heat distress. Her legs, comb, and waddle were all very hot to the touch. I tried to cool her off the best I could, but she didn't improve. She couldn't keep her eyes open and her breathing slowed. I called a good friend (who happens to be a vet) and asked her for some advice. She said, "You need to call a Vet." No joke. To be clear, she meant that I needed to contact an Avian Vet. This poor chicken appeared to be dying, so the boys and I took her to the bird vet. To make what could turn into a long story a bit shorter, they gave her fluids and tube fed her. The Doc said that she appeared to be malnourished. Her temps were normal, so her lethargy wasn't related to the heat. I am still waiting to hear if she has some kind of infection.

Harriet spent the night in the bathroom in her little makeshift home. By morning she was standing and squawking like normal. I couldn't keep her caged up, so I let her loose outside. She was happy to be there, scratching, foraging, and preening. However, Lola has been pecking her a lot. I guess that is the welcome home she gets. I am sure it is very important in the chicken world to reestablish the pecking order when another hen returns. Poor Harriet. Girl can't catch a break. I did lock her in the coop for about 30 minutes so that she could have access to food and water without being bothered. As for now, she is keeping to herself, hanging out on a cold water bottle, and trying not to disturb the peace too much. I hope she is feeling better soon!