Fur 'n' Feathers Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Well it had to happen sometime we guess. Miso was a bit bloody round her vent last week. We noticed when she laid an egg that had some bloodstains. We started off bathing her vent (it was a bit damaged and there was a polyp just inside - we think she'd also been pecked as there were a few drips of blood down her feathers),plus dabbing it with iodine and vaselining it and spraying with an anti-peck spray from the aviary section of the local pet superstore. By the way - the anti-peck spray REALLY WORKS - and no need for bumper bits that stop natural behaviours. This seemed to be working, but she then stopped eating and we noticed she seemed to have an egg stuck inside - so a warm bowl of water and a wash of her vent/rear area. After 3 days we decided the vet was the best option - she was standing hunched and not eating. Booked her in for the evening surgery on Thursday. When we got home she was walking around and eating!! She appeared to have laid a 74g egg (ouch with her vent still being sore!!!). We took her to the vet anyway & he told us we'd done a good job on the vent, which had been quite damaged. He cut away a loose scab and removed an amount of debris that was accumulating and told us to continue bathing the vent and gave us Baytril as a precaution for 10 days. Her vent is gradually healing. She's getting used to the baytril being syringed down her throat, but she's not eating much and is sitting a lot nw. Still looks bright eyed as she has done all the way through. We guess it's all been a bit traumatic for her. She's not laying, which at present is probably a good thing and possibly due to her not eating much. Has anyone any other advice on anything that might boost her a bit? Just in case there's anything else we could do to help (though we think she's reacting to going through quite a time.)? The vet was impressed at the treatment we'd been giving her and we said it was down to the forum that we'd learned so much. He used to keep bantam crosses and said it was a good thing to be on a specialist forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Poor girl. How about some Life Guard Poultry Tonic as a boost, or some Poultry spice? Out of interest, what brand of anti pecking spray did you use? Shaw's Nibble Deterrent? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted May 25, 2009 Author Share Posted May 25, 2009 Good idea Egluntine! We've got some poultry spice - will give it with some bran & yoghurt. .....and yes it is Shaws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Try giving her poultry spice with weetabix and some tinned tuna for an added protein boost.I would stay away from layers feed for a week or so, to give her a chance to settle down before she starts laying again. Hope she makes a full recovery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Well done with your vigilance and treatment. I take it that you've checked her for crawly critters? They like to nibble away near the vent and can make it a bit scabby and sore. Keep up the good work and feed her up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted May 26, 2009 Author Share Posted May 26, 2009 Thanks everyone. Miso is making good recovery. The last scab came off tonight when bathing her and she's really perked up. Not eating greatly yet, but she is alert & well, so we're not too bothered about this as she's making good recovery & we don't wantr her laying too soon. There's a bit of a scoop cut out on the lower left edge of the vent where she's lost flesh, but we're hoping that may adjust as the flesh looks good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Sounds encouraging. Well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Sending healing vibes to Miso and well done on seeing her through so beautifully! I've just recalled someone else had a chicken on Baytril recently and it can suppress their appetite, so maybe her not eating is related to that. Don't know what dosage you're giving your girl, but if you give it in the evening you may find that she eats a bit better during the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted May 27, 2009 Author Share Posted May 27, 2009 I've just recalled someone else had a chicken on Baytril recently and it can suppress their appetite, so maybe her not eating is related to that. Don't know what dosage you're giving your girl, but if you give it in the evening you may find that she eats a bit better during the day. That's very helpful. The vet weighed her (1.7kg) & calculated a 1mg dose x 2 a day for 10 days, so it probably is the cause. He felt because of the damage 10 days was preferable to 7. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
