Patridge bantam chicken poorly foot?

[kimmi_b]

Have just returned from the vets with Zelda after noticing blood in the nestbox this morning and lots of 'mess' around her vent.

 

Sadly I was told it was likely she had attempted to pass an egg that had broken internally, causing the bleeding. It looks like the others have pecked at her too. Sucj a shock as yesterday she was completely fine

 

It was recommended I have her put to sleep but I couldn't do it and have started her on a course of antibiotics and painkillers. I don't know if it is the right thing to do or if I am being cruel to give her a chance.

 

Since coming home she has been separated from the other hens and has tucked into some pellets and a tomato and although clearly mopey, doesn't seem too distressed. I will be keeping a close eye on her of course, but was wondering if anyone else has gone through this and had a happy ending?

[Egluntyne]

Poor girl. Fingers crossed for her.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that . I think others have had this happen so hopefully someone will be along shortly.

[kimmi_b]

Well Zelda has been on antib's for 2 days now and although pooing normally and generally happy to run around, she still is getting the urge to stop and strain.

 

I am worried that she is going to do herself some real damage if she keeps this up. Does anyone have any experience/advice re eggbound hens that they can offer?

[Goosey Lucy]

No advice to give I'm afraid, just wanted to add my positive thoughts for you both x

[chelsea]

from me too, come on Zelda you can do it!

[kimmi_b]

I've since spoken to a fellow chicken keeper at work (FCK) (funny how they come out of the woodwork!) and the vet.

 

FCK has never experienced this despite having a huge flock of birds so it really is a case of bad luck

 

Vet says that pooing normally, eating, drinking and strutting are very good signs of a full recovery The straining is 'normal' as she is clearing out her inside, and it's likely a bit uncomfortable, I suppose a similarity is what we would feel when constipated. But she isn't in tremendous pain from what we can tell so that is good

 

I'm still trying to be sensible and tell myself that she might still pass on, but feel much happier in the knowledge that I have done everything I can for her, and she is being spoilt rotten so that if she does leave us, her last few days will have been as lovely as they can possibly be

[Christian]

Sorry to hear that Zelda is under the weather, but good that she is perking up.

 

Best advice I can give is to not feed her layers pellets or mash for a week or so. Lots of treats, sweetcorn, corn, porridge etc to try and give her system a chance to recover. Without the 'goodness' from the layers meal, she shouldn't lay as many eggs and it will let things settle down for a bit. Difficult to stop her eating when the others are though.

[kimmi_b]

She has been separated from the others so they can't peck at her sore 'bits' so I will keep the layers pellets/mash down to a minimum and make sure she has plenty of water

[Joojoo]

I'm sorry I haven't got any advice to give, but just wanted to say get well soon Zelda

[cammy73]

Hi,

Just wanted to ask how Zelda is?

 

I had the same problem with Buffy I think...your description sounds very similar, unfortunately Buffy didn't survive...I've got my fingers crossed for you though.. Good luck...

 

Sharon x

[kimmi_b]

I'm really really really pleased to announce that Zelda is now fine! She had a 2 week separation from the other girls in order to allow her girly bits to heal, on a diet of slops no pellets. She has been integrated back into the Eglu now and they are all getting on fine. No sign of any *eggs* from her as yet, not sure if she will lay again but if she does, it is possible she might suffer a prolapse from all the pushing she has done If that happens, I have decided to let her go peacefully as I don't want her to be suffering all the time.

 

But all the signs are currently pointing to a good recovery so am crossing my fingers that future laying will go swimmingly for her

 

(I know I shouldn't have a favourite but she definitely is the best of the bunch!)

[nicschicks]

I'm so glad she's ok....it sounds similar to what my Marilyn has at the moment, whic I just posted about!

[Egluntyne]

Great news. Fingers crossed that things work out for her.