Lizzie Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 (edited) Hope somebody can help.. Harriet is an ex batt, we have had her since last July and has always been the biggest and healthiest of all the ex batts we keep. She had a blip about a month or more ago with a little chest infection. She was put onto a course of baytril and has been absoutely fine. We went on hols last week (first time in a year) and the cats and chooks were looked after by our usual live in cat sitter. We got back Friday and Harriet was definatly under the weather and we assumed she was trying to pass a softie as she has been doing quite alot recently. However, we have given her zolcal (neat) for the last couple of days (0.1ml) dose and also baytril in case she has got an infection. Although she is talking and drinking some water, she is wandering around in slow motion and has lost weight, though she has been eating weetabix when given as their afternoon treat. Not interested in millworms at all and they are her favourite. Hubby is going to give her some sugar water now and try to boost her energy and will also see if will eat weetabix and how much. If not, I will take her to the vets Any idea what could be wrong ? They have all been wormed with flubenvet recently and their house and dustbath treated for red mite. All of the other 4 hens are fine. Any advice gratefully received as always Regards Liz Edited June 8, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 As she is an ex batt, she could be coming to the end I'm afraid. They have had a very harsh life and it takes its toll. As she is so poorly, I'd take her to the vet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie Posted June 3, 2009 Author Share Posted June 3, 2009 thank you Egluntine for your advice I am taking her at 6.30pm this evening and thankfully seeing the chook vet. I will obviously do whatever is best for her, though if I have to let her go will be very sad as we always are when the time comes Regards Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie Posted June 4, 2009 Author Share Posted June 4, 2009 Took her to the vets though by the time I got home last night she definately had perked up a bit and was showing in an interest in eating food, though not pellets / mash Vet agreed that she probably had an internal infection so she is now on a course of baytril (0.2ml twice a day) for 7 days. She could also have a tumour. Anyhow, she was given an injection and when she got back home was running around like a nutter - up to her usual antics, definately more like her usual self. This morning, not so good but hopefully this course of antibiotics will sort her out We will just take every day as it comes as this may all come back. Regards Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 Hope she feels better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie Posted June 8, 2009 Author Share Posted June 8, 2009 Sadly, despite our best efforts and having everything crossed, I had to have Harriet PTS on Saturday morning. She is the 4th hen we have lost since April this year and is very much missed as she was such a fun and chatty chook. It wasn't clear what was wrong, but she had lost 5% of her total body weight in two days. The only way to find out would have been to put her through a load of tests and the vet and I agreed that it would not be fair on her, considering her past. Regards Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 I'm so sorry to hear that, it's very sad having to make that decision for a much-loved feathery friend. RIP Harriet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 Really sorry to hear that, Lizzie . It's a horrible decision to make which doesn't get any easier but you know in your heart that it's the right one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaches Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 Liz, what a horrid predicament for you. So sorry you have lost the lovely Harriet. Like you, I have just learnt that caring for ex-batts is roller-coaster ride. The highs are great (first time they flap their wings, the happy trumpeting noises they make, their love of grapes), but the lows are just terrible. She saw out her days in chook heaven with you. Fi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 I'm so sorry . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiggyPudding Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 very sad to read Harriet didn't make it. She had a lovely time with you though & you did your best. I had my exbatt & rescue hen put to sleep last week. I cried my eyes out & I'd only had her a month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Sorry to hear it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hens@HalfMoonLane Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 I'm sorry to hear about Harriet too. I lost 2 ex bats I'd had for 10 months in April and it's so upsetting. That said after much thought (and enthusiasm from an excited Moistin) I have 2 more now knowing that they have problems and possibley a shorter life. This time i'm assuming they won't live for long and am focussing my energy on enjoying them enjoying life rather than getting too attatched. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
