Ms

[Joojoo]

Hi

 

One of my ladies has become absolutely huge overnight and looks very very bloated - almost twice the size. She is really lethargic and when we let her out to free range she was using her wings as support to help her move which was very slowly.

 

Has anyone any ideas before I ring a vet. To be honest it's not looking good and I think she will have to be PTS

Edited September 6, 2009 by Guest

[Olly]

Oh dear, sorry to hear that - no general advice, I take it she is bloated all over and not just her crop? I can only suggest separating her, keeping her warm and hydrated and getting veterinary advice, it doesn't sound as if it's anything very simple. Sorry.

[Joojoo]

Thanks Olly. No it looks like her whole body is bloated not just one area and she is very hunched up. She is just sitting in the run - fortunately the others are leaving her alone. I'm unsure whether to ring the vets now or wait until morning and see how she is then.

[adam gates]

Hi, I'm only a novice at chicken keeping but i have heard of a chicken being stung by wasps and causing swelling and discomfort. Just an idea. Sorry i can't be more help!

 

Good Luck

[Joojoo]

Thanks for the suggestion Adam. I'm on the phone to the vets as I type so hopefully I will know what's going on shortly.

 

edited to add - I'm off to the vets shortly. I've got an appointment booked for 6.20pm. The initial call out charge is £80 plus the consultation but I just can't leave her when I don't know if she is in pain or not.

 

Ironically it's two years today that they arrived.

[Sheilaz]

Thinking of you Joo, Joo. Hope the vet is helpful, you're being a marvellous chickenkeeper. Best wishes, we'll be watching this space.

[Joojoo]

I've just got back from the vets The vet is as certain as she can be that she had egg peritonitis. She offered to do an xray and try her with antibiotics but seeing how poorly she was we both agreed that the kindest thing was to put her to sleep. I had a lovely cuddle with her and kissed her little head before she went.

 

I have to say that the vet was incredibly sensitive and good in her treatment of her and was really interested in her - if anyone in Shropshire needs details please PM me. Also, she must have either thought I was completely round the twist for calling her out to a chicken on a Sunday or genuinely understood and appreciated how much my animals mean to me as she waived the £80 Sunday call out fee and only charged me for the cremation.

 

RIP Doris Thank you for sharing two very happy years with us

[Chucky Mama]

Poor you, I am so sorry to hear your update. What a lovely vet though.

[Janty]

Best wishes to you. It's a horrible thing to have to do but the right thing.

 

Hugs,

 

Jan

[Plum]

So sorry to hear the news

[Joojoo]

Thanks everyone. I feel absolutely horrible at the moment and very tearful but I know it was the right thing to do. Poor little girl. I couldn't see her suffering

[Chickvic]

Sorry to hear about Doris

[Sheilaz]

That did sound the most likely outcome from her symptoms. You're a lovely, kind henkeeper, and although it hurts saying goodbye to Doris, you and the vet did the right thing.

The vet sounds wonderful, and was probably pleased to meet someone who cared so much. Doris had a happy life with you.

Tea & hugs from me. xx

[Hens@HalfMoonLane]

Sorry to hear about your hen.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Poor Doris, I'm so sorry . You did the right thing though. What a nice vet, to waive the fee.

[Ms Tilytinkle]

Joojoo, sooo sorry for you loss. How comforting your dear dear lady didnt suffer, was loved & cared for right to the very end. You must be feeling tearful, its a vile time . So sorry but please do hold close to your heart all the happiness & love she shared during her 2 years with you. She isn't suffering now, she is in eternal loving peace. Hope peace returns to you soon. You did what you needed to do. Bless you (may your kindness & care be returned tenfold by loving supportive friends & family during your tearful moments)

 

Ms Tillysendshugsandprayerssurroundingyou.RIPDoris.

[Joojoo]

That did sound the most likely outcome from her symptoms. You're a lovely, kind henkeeper, and although it hurts saying goodbye to Doris, you and the vet did the right thing.

The vet sounds wonderful, and was probably pleased to meet someone who cared so much. Doris had a happy life with you.

Tea & hugs from me. xx

 

Thanks Sheila. That's really kind of you. The vet was absolutely fantastic . Luckily for the cats she is at my registered vets surgery, but I've never had to take any of the hens there and as they are a regular small animal practice I was never 100% how good they would be with them.

 

Vicki - the vet was brilliant. I couldn't believe my ears when she said I'm not going to charge you the call out

[Olly]

So sorry to hear your news, but that sounds like a vet in a million. At least you know you did the right thing, and she is free from pain.

[Space Chick]

Only just seen this JooJoo, I am so sorry to hear about Doris.

 

What a fantastic vet though

[cathybc]

sorry to hear about Doris - I am glad the vet was nice though, it helps so much (emotionally and financially!)