Sick Chook, possible snake bite?

[tamarab30]

Sick Chook, possible snake bite?

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Last night we heard all kinds of noises coming from the chook pen and when we went out to have a look, hubby thinks he saw some kind of snake slithering off.
Needless to say it was dark, so don't know what kind of snake it may have been.
Anyway, one of our girls was looking rather worse for wear. She is still alive this morning and we have brought her into the house and is looking rather comfortable in her new box bed in the lounge room all snuggly in a blanket lol.
Anyway, she seems to have trouble on her feet, she can stand if she absolutely has to, but is falling over a lot.
Anyone had a similar problem? Any tips?
I'm not sure what to do, I have been giving her water thru a syringe, she doesnt seem too fussed on eating at the moment though.
Could she be in shock or is this from a snake bite do you think?
Hubby thought maybe we should give her the tiniest bit of baby panadol, but I'm not sure.
Also, at what point do you decide where to draw the line? I would hate to have her suffering any painful long drawn out death (if you know what I'm getting at).
Any help would be appreciated. We can't afford to take her to the vet, so that is not an option.
Thanks in advance
Tamara
p.s. Poor Sam is quite excited about the whole thing, the other kids have told him that the chook is now disabled like him, as neither of them can walk. He wants to know what colour wheelchair the chook will get - lmao.

[tamarab30]

Re: Sick Chook, possible snake bite?

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Just thought I better add, the girls arent laying yet, they are only about 14 weeks old, so no eggs to attract any snakes. Also, have checked the chook right over and don't see any wounds or anything.

[possum]

Re: Sick Chook, possible snake bite?

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LOL at Sam!!
How is she today? If its shock she should be ok (sounds like shock to me) if a snake bite ummmm proberly not so good? Although i wouldnt have thought with the cooler weather that a snake would be out at night being cold blooded and all that.
If they have all been flapping about in the dark than she could have wacked her head and have a concussion (explains the wobbly legs) All you should do for any animal in the 1st 24hours is a nice warm dark enviroment no stimulation no water no food and i would suggest no panadol.They are not going to die of starvation or thirst in 24hours.If she is still not well today it might be best to bop her.(sorry im not real suttle) Some chooks are strong and others drop dead for no obvious reason. Snakes arnt just attracted to the eggs they love the odd chicken dinner! I know none of this proberly helps now but maybe for next time

[lrning2b]

Re: Sick Chook, possible snake bite?

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I know a good site for chook people http://www.backyardpoultry.com/ I have called on it a few times. It is loaded with poultry info. Hope your chooky is ok...