Single hen

[HENthusiastic]

I'm having a hard time right now and would like some reassurance / reminders that chicken keeping is an easy and wonderful thing to do. I know it is, but right now its an upset and a worry.

Two of my girls have been ill over the last two weeks. First one gets bad, then the other, then the first gets better, then they are both better, (relief and joy all around) now the first is ill again.

Its been two weeks of constant ups and downs with worry and relief. It would be ok if I didnt love them so much, but I do. I just want my chooks to be okay. I'm feeling done in with constant worry that one of them is going to die. Its horrible.

Sorry if this sounds dramatic (I have other problems at the moment, so maybe not coping as well as usual).

 

(They've seen the vet and are on medication).

[Scottie]

Sounds as if things are maybe just getting a bit on top of you! Also sounds as if you're doing all the right things, taking them to the vet etc - try to think positively.

 

Sheila

[Guest]

I know exactly how you feel, both Mariana and Shalott have had peritonitis recently, virtually at the same time, Shalott had to have 2 lots of baytril to shift hers. It is worrying but all you can do is your best for them; get them the right medication treatment and make sure they eat, drink and have somewhere warm and dry to sleep.

 

I always think of that quote, is it one of Solomon's? I can't remember.....

"This too shall pass"

 

keep going and come on here if you need a hug or reassurance, good luck with your girls, hope they get well soon xxxxxxx

[Guest]

Awww I can understand how things can all attack you at once !!

 

But take one day at a time - I think you need some TLC as well!

 

Louise

X

[sandyhas3chucks]

Theyve been to vet, you got the baytril, doing your best, I know just how you're feeling, 1 thing after another, just think of those happy purrs they do. lots of good food, perhaps some citricidal in the water? some extra something... sure you will get lots of advice. hang on in there!

[Sandychick]

I was feeling much the same back in the summer. In the middle of relationship hassles, trying to do the final year of my BSc on top of a full time job, the cat deciding not to eat, I was ill……..then the chickens were ill. Ill chickens are so upsetting at the best of times, but with other stuff going on its like ‘the straw that broke the camels back’.

 

Two months later and the cats ok, I’m ok, boyfriend dumped, BSc finished yesterday, and the chickens are happy and well. All I can say is think ahead – everything will get better and you and your chickens will be again!

[mrs chook]

You're doing everything right you can. It sounds like everything is happening at once which never helps does it?

 

Try not to beat yourself up and remind yourself that things will settle down soon.

 

Love to you and your girlies xx

[mrs chook]

Two months later and the cats ok, I’m ok, boyfriend dumped, BSc finished yesterday, and the chickens are happy and well. All I can say is think ahead – everything will get better and you and your chickens will be again!

 

 

Well done!!

[MedusA]

I do hope things improve for you soon. As others have said, you are doing all the right things, so hang in there. *hugs*

[smanners]

Ive had similar! Hen keeping for a month. One hen got a bad cold and passed it to other,who got severe chest infection. Yesterday I spent £65 at vet who injected fluids dirctly into her stomach as she wouldn't eat or drink and also gave an injection of antibotics. I was warned that she may not live

I've just spent the day syringing fluids and enticing her to eat worms from the compost. You know what she's 100% better now and I feel great

What a difference a day makes!

Keep thinking positive and it will be ok I'm sure.

best wishes

 

Helen

Rocky

Mrs Doyle

8 rescued cats

3 gerbils

1 mouse

loads of fish in the pond

[Egluntyne]

Chin up. They will improve with your care and attention.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Poor you . It sounds like you're having a really tough time . With all your care and the vet's treatment they're sure to get better and you'll have healthy, happy hens again .

[Mollystar]

Thinking of you.

 

I have been there too, what with men, puppies, looking after mums dog & a chicken dying,all felt like .

 

Have a good scream & heres a HUG.xxx

[HENthusiastic]

THANK YOU. You are all such lovely omletters. Things are looking better this morning in the coop. Buttercup still looks a tad off colour, but is definitely better. I think you all understood me better than I had!!! I think coming home and seeing buttercup not looking too perky was the straw that broke the camels back and then everything came flooding through. I had a really good last night and whilst things are still tough, I feel a lot more realistic about things and the fact that I can cope with it all.

Above all, I cant' believe I even for a second had thoughts that the chooks were too hard emotionally! I love my chooks and they are the one thing that makes me most of the time even when stuff is hard.

Well done on your BSC sandychik. And thank you all to everybody who gave me stories of your tough times and everything coming out

What a lovely omlety place. Thanks again. You've all really helped me.

[mrs chook]

Well done. Ur girlies will keep you smiling when all else gets tough.

[Seagazer]

I'm glad things are picking up for you. I think everyone feels this way sometimes. I know I do sometimes.

[cathybc]

Glad to hear you are feeling a bit better. It is horrible when things get on top of you. i had a stage when my chinnies all seemed to go through a stage og having things wrong with them, i thought I thought I was a bad mum and couldn't cope and was thinking of rehoming them. But then things start to get better and I am glad I still have all the little critters.

 

I am sure things will continut to get better, and hang on in there when you have a 'moment'.

[emmaw298]

Hi Henthusiastic,

 

Just caught up with this post and wanted to say I can completely empathise with how you feel and really hope you are feeling better now. We all have those days and when something's up with our pets, we are naturally fraught with worry and upset. This time last week I was having major trauma with my hen and now a week on, things are looking so much better- so things really DO get better with time!

Also, I always try and remind myself to keep some perspective. Although I don't know anything about your personal situation, I always tell myself no matter how bad things seem to get for me, there are people out there much worse off than me. Makes my mountain seem a bit more of a molehill.

Hang on in there and yours too will become a molehill

[half dozen]

Hi just read your posting and glad things are definately picking up.Life can be really miserable at times then you look at the faces of these girls and you have to smile we are all here for each other and all have bad days but luckily have the girls to keep us going , take care x

[HENthusiastic]

Thank you all so much. I never imagined I would get so much support when I first started omletting! I'm happy to report that all 5 girls are back to full health. The two underweight ones are steadily putting on weight. I am no longer worrying about them and they have returned to being a wonderful source of enjoyment and are cheering me up throughout the day. I also have a week off work to get my head together. All in all a very good outcome.

[Henhathnofury]

You never have to be embarassed by expressing your love for your girls here. Mine too have been ill and at a very very bad time when everything was going wrong - so I understand entirely. Just love them and be proud of the wonderful life you are giving them. Chicken Spice and Garlic powder helps too - it has helped mine through worms and lice, poor little things.

 

Chickenkeepers are such lovely people because like chickens, they are humble and gentle (OK OK I won't talk about the naughty hens who peck, like my Pepperpot)

 

Rest assured, there is always a kind ear here.

[Sandychick]

Great stuff Now you can enjoy some quality chicken time in your week off.