Peacocks

[TAJ]

After her cough a couple of weeks ago I now have another problem with Rye. She gets stressed very easily anyway so was not too impressed with either the lawn mower or the strimmer in the garden yesterday afternoon (not being used near the Omlet netting, just around non-chicken bits of the garden). Then we moved the Eglu on to the grass and a plank of wood I had been using to keep the auboise in the run was sitting in the garden and they were enjoying using it as a perch so I left it in the garden for them.

 

I just went to get a drink in the kitchen and heard a noise as though they were being attacked and dashed out to find the plank on its side and Rye limping - I can only assume too many chickens at once got on the plank and she got her foot banged by the plank as it feel over.

 

I can see no external damage to her foot, but clearly she was shaken and yesterday evening seemed to be breathing very heavily - given she does panic so much anyway it was not an option to bring her inside as it would have done more harm than good in her case.

 

Today she is still limping, but her breathing is fine and I have seen her eat & drink, though she is spending her time mainly sitting in the run - still alert and pecking the grass around her & I have put a parasole up so she is in full shade.

 

She currently looks happy and I know if I try and pick her up it will distress her again - is there anything else I should do - or just give her a bit of space & time? The other two keep coming back into the run to check on her and then go back out in the garden.

 

Thanks for any help,

 

Tracy

Edited May 12, 2008 by Guest

[Cazjohn]

Hi Tracy

 

Glad I'm not the only one that uses umbrellas for shade - my family think I've lost it!

 

I would just keep an eye on her if shes still limping tomorrow try a warm foot bath then an inspection!

[Christian]

She has probably bruised her foot a little. Try some arnica pillules from Holland and Barratt. 30c. I gave mine 2 a day. They are tiny and the Laverne just pecked it and ate it.

 

Or arnica cream if you can get hold of her tonight when she is sleepy?

 

It should help with bruising. Hope she is better soon.

 

[theherd123]

As suggested above, warm foot bath and an inspection followed by lots of TLC

 

I do hope she improves throughout the day.

[TAJ]

She is moving around the garden with the others, but then sitting down to eat the grass this afternoon - poor thing. She is one stressy pure breed at the best of times - she has never crouched, never wants to be picked up and the only one that will not eat from my hand.

 

I did think about soaking her foot - but given her nature I can see that would make her hyperventilate again, like yesterday, so whilst I can see her moving around with the others and eating & drinking I think I will leave her to it - may be before bedtime (when it is cooler) I will have a go.

 

Thanks for the advice,

 

Tracy

[theherd123]

You could always pop some Rescue Remedy into the water - it wont do any harm to the other chooks but should help to calm down Rye.

[TAJ]

Well she is still limping, but laid an egg last night or early this morning. She is still sitting a lot - sitting eating grass instead of standing, but is getting around the garden with the others. She even flew on to the top of the Eglu to be with the other two, but couldn't get down so I lifted her off before she saw me coming.

 

She is still eating & drinking, although her tail is down so she looks sad. We managed to get hold of her last night and bathed her foot in warm salt water and there is no graze our cut, but it does look as though it is a bit bruised and slightly swollen - but she is not hyperventalating which is good.

 

Tracy

[TAJ]

Another update - she is still limping, or hopping around - happy enough staying near the others and eating and drinking, but sitting down a lot (but still eating grass whilst sitting).

 

Her tail is down and she has stopped laying - but I think all I can do is just make sure she is still eating & drinking and doesn't look stressed - poor thing - she certainly looks better than she did Saturday, but certainly she looks a long way from a full recovery.

 

Tracy