4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[mampoer]

We have a very poorly 3 year old chicken who has over the last 4 weeks slowly lost interest in everything and won't even eat or drink anything any more. She won't even walk today.

 

Visually she seems fine (vent healthy, comb red). We have kept her separate for the last week from the others in our lean to and each day she has eaten less and we are now syringing small amounts water down her. We have not taken her to the vet but have tried over the period to give her chicken spice, small doses of vitamins and a worming course as well as some antibiotics from a fox attack earlier this year. She has not responded to anything.

 

We don't believe she has long to go and wondered if you could recommend how we could comfort her and feed her.

[Plum]

Sounds like you are doing a really good job. Hugs to you, and hope she passes quietly.

[Sheilaz]

The water as you have been doing is the main thing. Warmth and comfort, eg straw in a box, and your TLC are the best ways of nursing an untreatable hen. I always try and offer different foods, yogurt & bread, grapes, sweetcorn etc, just in case.

She'll either get better or worse, (I've had both happen) and if it's the latter, you'll know you've done your best, you're doing evrything right. Best wishes.

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Having nursed a non-eater back from the brink (due to overzealous mothering instincts rather than illness), I can feel your pain ......I hope she responds one way or the other quickly

 

Keep her warm and keep syringing the water, I was recommended cake as an emergency food, perhaps soak some crumbs in a small amount of yoghurt & syringe the resulting mush gently into her beak, or egg yolk and honey which is much easier to administer.

 

Much love & {{{hugs}}} to you all

 

Sha x

[Sheilaz]

Any news today?

[mampoer]

Thank you for your very kind comments and suggestions.

 

Thelma hasn't been remotely interested in anything let alone food although has been quite happy, up until this morning, to be syringed Pronuto (nutritious breakfast cereal with baby food consistency - I eat it regularly) through an icing squeeze bag - really the whole process is not as bad as it sounds.

 

She has lost all strength in her legs and even her wings splay out when resting but she has seemed bright and clear eyed so far. With her degenerating so much and her lack of interest in being fed today we will take her to the vet for some advice finally (or final advice)...

 

Thanks again K&J

[sandyhas3chucks]

thinking of you.

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Me too {{{hugs}}}

 

Sha x

[Daphne]

and me;

[mampoer]

Thanks again for your support - been to the vet and come back with a live chicken .

They believe she may have a virus and so we are going to try her on antibiotics+whole other concoction to see if she responds - fingers crossed! If she has improved by Sunday it is a good sign.

J&K

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Great that's good news.......long may she improve

 

Sha x

[Daphne]

Yes - fingers firmly crossed for Thelma (good chicken name BTW!)

[Patricia W]

In my experience AB's are great - but be aware, one course of treatment may not be enough. I hope she improves

 

Tricia

[Plum]

Great sounds like there is hope. xx

[sandyhas3chucks]

sounds encouraging.

Keep all crossed for you still (hugs)

[mampoer]

John and Kirsty are very sad to say goodbye to Thelma who has gone to meet her Louise. A much loved chicken, a survivor in sensible shoes!

 

 

Thanks for all the kind words - she passed away this morning whilst warm and snug in our living room.

 

http://www.facebook.com/thelma.cowx

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Sorry to hear your sad news Kirsty & John , she was loved to the end.

 

RIP Thelma, a very beautiful old lady & {{{hugs}}} to you both,

 

Sha x

[Plum]

Sad news. xx

[Daphne]

Sorry to hear this Thelma looked to be a really lovely hen