How Quickly Does Albendazole Work?

[pollenbird]

Afternoon everyone.

 

I would really appreciate some advice.

 

We have had 2 chickens for exactly 1 year tomorrow that we bought from omlet along with eglu. One of the chickens, Noodles, is laying about 1 egg every 2 months and has been doing so for the last 6 months whereas Squeak is laying every day, bless her.

 

Anyway, we've been thinking about getting 2 new chickens and a run converter to increase our egg production (my excuse anyway but really i would really like a daisybelle and amber lee!). We've borrowed a dog cage as a temporary home whils we do introductions.

 

The only thing is, we were at a wedding reception on Saturday night where the lady who owned the venue had lots of chickens. We were talking chickens as you do and she revealed that she'd just rehomed 2 chickens a month ago - i think she just put them all in together -anyway 1 of them was killed overnight and after a month, the other one is still being badly bullied. I said that we'd think about rehoming her for them as we were thinking about increasing our flock, but would need to think about it, discuss with boyfriend and wouldn't be able to do anything for a couple fo weeks or so.

 

Anyway, I've just had an email asking if I can take her before Thursday (when they go on holiday) as she has now been severely pecked and they've had to seperate her from the others.

 

So now I feel my hands been forced...I cant bear the thought of her (chicken) being left in that situation.

 

So, have the following options - and would appreciate your thoughts.

 

1) we rescue the chicken and buy 1 new chicken at the same time and have both in dog run till established with the others.

 

2) we rescue the chicken and get 2 new chickens at the same time and have all in dog run till established with the others

 

3)Just introduce single to be resuced chicken to begin with and then introduce new chickens later (although not sure i can bear the stress after having had a horrible introduction experience with first omlet chickens)

 

Also, would it be possible to have 5 in a run with the converter? If not, will have to break news to other half that he'll have to get building a big run (eeek - i've only just got him to agree to new chickens!)

 

Thanks so much in advance for your help and apologies for mammoth posting.

 

xx

[HENthusiastic]

One other possibility would be to ask on this forum for somebody else to resuce the bullied girl.

It doesn't sound like its the right time for you to be rescuing her and you could end up not having enough spare space to separate everybody who needs separating. If you could find another omletter to rescue her, you could go ahead with your original plans and also feel secure that the poor bullied girl is getting all the love and attention she needs. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Edited August 12, 2008 by Guest

[pollenbird]

It's not that I don't want to rescue her (oh dear - I didn't mean to come across all negative ).

 

I'm just worried about doing the right thing for all concerned really (established chickens and newbies)...and it means that it's probably all going to happen a bit quicker than I planned it to.

 

(...although maybe that's not a bad thing...gives scott less of a chance to change his mind although to be fair he's very fond of the chickens really)

[buffie]

First thing I'd say is only undertake this if you really feel ready. It will take time and yes you'll need to introduce 2 to 2, there are plenty of threads here about the whole process. This poor hen has already suffered bullying so it needs a bit r&r.

 

If you can get a companion, have the separate space required, and take your time this could work but be sure you do it for the right reasons and not just to help out.

 

It could all just cause you a lot of worry and upset.

 

well done for asking on here first

 

Buffie x

[HENthusiastic]

Sorry.......... I just edited my post to remove that line coz I re-read it and saw how it sounded........... THEN I saw your post answering it............ now it won't make sense to people........ sorry!!

You dont sound negative you sound like you care enough to be thinking about it carefully. Sorry I worded it clumsily.

[Egluntyne]

Hello pollenbird.

 

It might be worth having a dekko at **this thread** and **this article** for some advice.

 

Your friend's unfortunate experience clearly demonstrates why a slow introduction is the best way.

 

I would be inclined to introduce 2 to 2, that way any unwanted attention will be diluted somewhat.

 

TBH I'm not sure that 5 will have enough space in a run with a converter. There won't be anywhere for them to get away from any unpleasantness.

 

Good luck, whatever you decide.

[Purplemaniacs]

We have four in a run and converter, I wouldn't want to have five in there. We were told not to add 1 to 2 so we added 2 to 2. Sorry I don't have any more knowledge or experience to pass on but good luck with your decision

 

Chrissie

[sandyhas3chucks]

i GOT MY 3 EX BATS IN mAY, AND AM HAVINMG TROUBLE WITH 2 BULLYING 1. mOE IS NOW IN AN 6FT EXTENSION TO THE OTHER 2 (soory ha caps lock on) Anyway I was thinking about a pal for Moe, This night solve a problem? I could certanly try it to see if it works and give you breathing space into the bargain.

What does anyone think. I am in Surrey. My bullied Moe is very bright & inquiitive. into everything & very kept out of all things 2 hens do together!

Sandy

[Egluntyne]

Why not separate the ex-batts and put one in with the bullied hen and see how it goes.

 

If they are split up it might alter their behaviour.

 

Keep swapping them about to disorientate them and then they might get on better.

[pollenbird]

Thanks everyone for your replies - I really appreciate all the support.

 

Sandy - i've pm'ed you.

 

The Omlet forum rocks - you're all great !

[sandyhas3chucks]

i am picking up bulied girl tom Thursday as they are off on holiday Fri. At least I can keep a good eye on her. & fingers crossed that she & my bullied one make pals. I hope I am not making more trouble. Well al I can do is try, my girl was being gone at hell for leather as she was trying to go to bed, head cjook having had a pop at hen 2. so head chook is in car box in the bathroom one her own now, not that she minds one bit. I may have to have a 2 & 2 & need then to think where they will sleep, but one bridge at a time, at least they are all ok frree rangig & if nothing else the really bullied girl Iam picking up is def going to get a rest & will be able to sleep in peace somewhere.

[mrsallen08]

Good luck let us know how its all going!

[dancing cloud]

Keep us posted Sandy. Here's hoping Moe's got a friend

[sandyhas3chucks]

ok. editted version...

Lady was clearly surprised that hen was not still hiding in hen house.After 3/4 hour

DOG found her was allowed to "flush her out"from under thick bush chased her briefly. Apparently reall large dog new all was not well with her & wanted to kill her too!

Poor babey!

Whilst looking she said i am sure she hasn't died we would hgave found her!!!!!!

Anway scared terrified sad chook safely in cat box home, only gets up & stands not looking happy at all.

She did eat a little last night, & is currently in Eglue run with 8ft extension. just checked & she is couched up in nest box!

IS THIS NORMAL

do you think? Is she sick?

scared witless having been one of 2 loved family pets having seen her best friend pecked to death, then been turned on herself & just left?

Another chook had THE most enormous crop, lady told me she thought one might have impacted crop? had massaged it & turned it upside down but made no dif!

 

Should I leave her quietly, take her out and pet her(she's used to being cuddled by disabled semi blind child) Offered her Mealy worm, she's taken a few.

Should I let her inmy carport alone or with my good girl?

Please send me your

just off to offer her some water

[dancing cloud]

Oh Sandy, poor little thing I'm so glad you have rescued her.

 

I'd leave her on her own away from other hens for now, maybe sit with her for a while and make calming noises, so she gets used to you being kind and not a threat. I'm sure a few mealworms will also help her regard you as a friend - from what you've said, she could certainly use one!

 

Once she realises what a lovely home she's gone to, she'll soon perk up

 

Keep us posted

 

PS what're you going to call her?

[sandyhas3chucks]

She had a name but is just HEn for now, lest she does not make it, or needs to go elsewhere, if all goes well, what with Meany Greedy & Moe, she will have to be Miney won;t she.?

Just had meal worms out of hand avery liitle dring looked at grit, scratched at mash, so going to try some wey mash.... just opening up hatch on eglu & giving qietly by hand. She may just be very weak, she may not have had easy access to food & drink. also crop could be dodgy, will have a feel later when sit in sun & give her a cuddle!

Thanks for kind words & support

[sandyhas3chucks]

She is much perkier this morning, she likes to Roost unlike my 3 ex bats.! So made better arrangement for sleeping last night.

Wee Moe got a thoughroghly bleached clean, dried in the sun all day vey large cat box back with one of the spare "beds" from the Eglu(read small wash up bowl with straw in) So she was happier. Hen in smalest dog rate with bed PLUS 2 roosting bars.

Hen is eating well ish, well for her. However as I suspected the whole does go through.Food seems to go down & under her beautiful feathers I have found her crop.

PROBLEM when she has a drink she leaks!

Had a gentle look, dried her wher dripped to then she wasn't happy that I looked higher for the abcess /wound site

She mde a fuss, which is a good sign & it looks clean, I am hoping to just spray it with Ale Vera VEt spray To keep clean & wonderin as she has lived so far if she only has little food and little drinks often this will keep her going.

any thoughts?

[sandyhas3chucks]

ok, re read no I hadn't told you.

After the wet mash I took her out to cuddle & gently felt for her crop incase it was bound like one of her others !

I found a missaive lump

thought she maybe had cancer & that was wuhy they picked on her.

but no it was an enormous absess all think bloodies twisted caked in feathers & gooooo

3/4 hour later having soaked & bathed the goo out I discovered as absees do a massive whole.

Unfortunately me fear was confirmed this morning & the hole DOES go through to her throat.

Now not studdied chook anatomy....

So her breathing is unafected!

SHe is still alive though am sure would be dead by now if I hadn't taken her!

Do you think My thoughts on previous message are right or should I find someone to DO the deed! Oh and someone is asking a tame vet for some bayril. other than that &I have large synulux, but would be playing with a dose! Not a good thing to be doing!

[Mrs Frugal]

She sounds like she really needs to see a vet, Sandy. I don't think this is something you can treat yourself, I'm afraid. I would definitely let someone take a look at her rather than try to judge how much antibiotic to give her yourself. Are you able to get her checked out? She might also need some pain relief, bless her.

[Egluntyne]

Sandyhaschooks....You must take this poor hen to a vet TODAY.

 

She is in a bad way and needs urgent attention of one sort or another.

 

Sorry to be blunt, but there is no point giving antibiotics which may not be the right ones.

[pollenbird]

Dear Sandy,

 

I'm so sorry this has turned out like this. Poor Hen

 

Let us know know how she gets on,

xx

[sandyhas3chucks]

GOT THERE BEFOR YOU DID!

Vet said whilst looks really horrid that inside was very clean & no sign of further infection. Which is pretty well as I thought as she would not have been perkier. She said as she was looking so bright that she could see no reason to put her down at this point she was pretty hopefull. We also both gave her a look over which was easier on the table with 2 and nothing esle to worry unduly. She was VERY happy with the sudacrem that I put on her !st seen sores as it is soothing & non irritant, she was horrified at what some people are putting on, eucalyptus(can you believe?) also as I have already warned on the forum Tea Trea. Whist brilliant CAN 7 OFTEN is an irritant & stings like hell on an open wound as does ALoe Vera gell,(and I speak from personal experience) (I also sell the stuff for Forever Living)

 

Any way just some Baytril as a precaution really,

Which is just as well..... And good piece of mind, tough not normally one to go for them as a normal option.

[sandyhas3chucks]

Anyway she IS perky & not given Antibviotic yet as want her to settle after more worrying goings on, she has met my Moe with out bars briefly, & she has hopped up onto large cat box, to roost & snuhhgle & got back off again for a drink & little snack, she is a bit fussy but is being offered lots of treats with liquid in as she is leaking too her curiosity?

She very pussled wher it comes from & the noice but all fiongers crossed for a good ending.

Will keep you all posed.

Sandy

[sandyhas3chucks]

Oh and vet aggreed ... Dog bite.... followed am sur by pecking.

[dancing cloud]

Great news Sandy. (( Hugs )) to you and Hennie - what a lucky little hen she was to find you in time. Hope she's suitably grateful and makes a good friend for Moe.

 

Are you now going to become "Sandy has4chucks"?