Guest Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Mariana, one of our ex batts, has looked off colour for the last 2-3 days. She had an infection, possibly peritonitis, last year but recovered very well after a course of baytril and has been fine since. The last few days she just seems to have slowed down and doesn't show much interest in food/water. Stands around sometimes with her eyes closed. I've felt her crop and it feels okay as far as I can tell. She's not hot underneath so I don't think she has an infection. Her breathing is fine, her eyes are bright and so is her comb and he tail is up. In fact, to anyone else she'd look the picture of health! I know, however, that she is definitely not herself. I made thrm all some mashed potato yesterday and she did have a little bit of it but not much. With her being an ex batt, I don't know how old she was when she came to us, she's been with us 15 months now. I've made an appt with the vet for later today but am I doing the right thing? Do you think this is just old age or do you think there is something wrong? I hate carting them off to the vets when they're not feeling well as it must be stressful for them but then again, if there's something that can be done for her, I'd never forgive myself for not taking her. I suppose in my heart I know she should see the vet but I'm not experienced enough to tell if a chicken is just 'getting on' and should be left in peace with her friends around her. Can the experienced chicken owners please give me some advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 If its any consolation, I would be down the vets too if she were mine. Better to be safe than sorry, she might just have picked up something? Hope she improves soon Poet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 thanks Chelsea, just feeling wobbly and wanted a 2nd opinion, thanks hun xxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Hi Poet, I'm a total novice when it comes to chicks but I think with all things it's good to follow your instincts . I know if I had any doubt I would take a poorly pet to the vet, just in case it's something which can be treated. If her time has come she will be with her chicken friends, doing chicken things. Thinking of you. Allisonx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 If it's any reassurance, I'd be off to the vet too. As my chook-friendly vet told me "If they look off-colour they've probably been poorly for some time and hiding it, so need to be seen asap." I hope Mariana soon gets over whatever it is. Do keep us posted. *hugs* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 thanks guys xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Sorry to hear about Mariana, Poet . I'd have her at the vets too, if that helps . Have you managed to get her an appointment yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Sorry to hear about Mariana, Poet . I'd have her at the vets too, if that helps . Have you managed to get her an appointment yet? yes, we're going later this afternoon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 I agree with all the others. I'd be off to the vets with her. Hope it goes well this afternoon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Good luck, Poet . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 I lost a couple of my original girls at the end of last year......they just sort of slowed down.......going to bed earlier than the others, standing with eyes closed and feathers puffed out etc. They had been wormed, de-loused etc and I just put it down to 'old-age' so I just let nature take its course . I was tempted to bring them inside with a hot water bottle etc. but thought it was nicer for them to pass away amongst their sisters. I have taken other chooks to the vets for antibiotics....for rattly chest and runny noses, and got one put to sleep for a prolapse . Hope things turn out okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Hope you get on ok at the vets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Ex batts can be amazingly resilient considering what a harsh start they have. However they can go down at a blink of an eye I lost 3 in the space of about 3 months and it was very upsetting. I think you are doing everything possible to ensure that Mariana has the very best chance of pulling through, and I wish you the very best. Your girls are very lucky to have such a kind and considerate mum to look after them. Regards Dodge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 thanks for all the replies. She had a full MOT at the vets and apart from a temperature, they said she was in good form. She has a temperature of 106 (should be about 101) so looks like she has an infection. We did have a cple of softies a while ago so they could have been hers. Sounds like she's got peritonitis again but hopefully we've caught it in time, fingers x'd. She's had a baytril injection and we've got a week's course of baytril tablets to give her so hopefully she'll rally round. Thanks for the reassurances xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom123 Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Glad to hear all is well Get well soon Mariana Good luck Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Phew, what a relief and good job you went with your instincts and took her along to the vet. I am sure with the Baytril she will perk up considerably quite quickly. As you know our Ella has sterile peronitis and when she has one of her "spells" the baytril works a treat and she's back to her naughty self in no time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Only just caught up with this Poet, hope Mariana makes a full recovery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 I'm so glad to hear that . Fingers crossed she perks up soon . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 They are like our little children aren't they? We chook mummys just know when something is just not right! I'm glad she's got some treatment and wish her get well soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 thanks everyone xxx They are like our little children aren't they? We chook mummys just know when something is just not right! ... you're so right, I know their personalities, I know who likes what to eat, I know their little foibles and I know straight away when something isn't quite right. Fingers x'd I've spotted it in time and she responds well to the antibiotics, poor little poppet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Here's hoping you get better soon little chook! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Glad all is ok, thats a relief for you I would have taken her to the vets too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 My little chook Skye was ill before Christmas, it seemed to go on for ages and I thought she would never get better, she looked such a sorry soul. She wouldn't even come running for the treat bowl But she's now 100%, lovely firm poos running round like a looney and as cheeky and greedy as ever Hope she gets better soon Poet, thinking of you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Thanks for the update, Poet. I'm so glad you decided to take her. Your instincts were right. Get well soon, Mariana. *hugs* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 My little chook Skye was ill before Christmas, it seemed to go on for ages and I thought she would never get better, she looked such a sorry soul. She wouldn't even come running for the treat bowl But she's now 100%, lovely firm poos running round like a looney and as cheeky and greedy as ever Hope she gets better soon Poet, thinking of you How long was your ages Moomin. (for my comparison with blockage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
