Boris70 Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 Marj, my little buff pekin bantam has just died and I feel just awful. We've been away on holiday, and the neighbours have been looking after them for us while we;ve been away. We got back home at 7pm this evening, and I went straight to the eglu to see how they were... and found Marj slumped in the nest box. I thought she was dead already, but when I took her inside - she was all limp, and making no effort to do anything. No signs on her at all, apart from a lot of bubbles in her beak - but her nose and eyes were clear. We put her in a box in the warm, and checked on her 20 minutes later - and she'd gone. Now I'm panicking about the other 3 girls (we've checked them over and they seem fine), and I'm feeling really guilty - because maybe if we were here we would have noticed any signs sooner. And to top it all off - the neighbour who looked after them for us came round as we were checking the others grils over - and said "they're fine - all out today" we didn't have the heart to tell her Marj was really poorly - and so not ok. Any ideas what it could of been to get her so quickly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 Hi Boris So sorry to hear about Marj, you must be really feeling awful right now. As to what can make a hen go lame so quickly I don't think I would be much help, but I'm sure one of the others will be along shortly with some good advice. Big hugs A xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Boris so sorry to hear about poor Marj, sounds like she had some kind of an infection, I would keep a close eye on the others, which I am sure you do anyway.............Chickens can hide their symptoms so well that your neighbour may not have seen the signs, Marj may have looked well in the morning, these things can happen so fast, don't feel too bad about being away I am sure you are a very good chicken keeper, and that Marj had a very happy life with you and your family.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Hi so sorry to hear this sad news. We lost our little Buff pekin last year, she was ill when we returned from holiday too. I sobbed my heart out. Keep and eye on the others but sometimes one is just a bit weaker and becomes susceptible to illness. Hugs BB xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Very sad news. Hope the others will be ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 So sorry, Boris . What a horrible thing to happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rivetts Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Boris, so sorry to hear your news. I know nothing about chicken illness, being new to the game, and can only offer sympathy - but thank goodness you were there for her at the end. No matter how painful I find it, I'm always grateful to have the chance to be with my pets when they leave me. Thinking of you. Serena Rivett Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 That's so sad Boris, keep an eye on the others,but if it was that sudden, it may not have been an infection, perhaps a heart attack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 I'm sorry about Marj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 So sorry to hear about Marj. As others have said keep an eye on your other girls. Ive seen/heard on other posts that chickens can pass so suddenly, that there is nothing that you or your neighbour could have done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Sorry to hear your news I hope your other girls are okay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Sorry to hear about Marj. Please try not to feel guilty, unfortunately sometimes these things just happen. I'm sure she was very well looked after, loved and cared for and if your neighbour saw her out and about in the morning I'm also sure that she can't have suffered greatly. Hope the other chooks are ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Oh, I am sorry Vicki. Unfortunately it is sometimes the case that there is nothing you can do apart from keeping them warm and comfortable. You did that for her and she just slipped away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 That's sad, Vicki, sorry to hear about Marj. As others have said, apart from keeping an eye on the others, there's probably not a lot more you can do at the moment. It may be that it wasn't something infectious, but best to keep a close watch. Thinking of you. Sue x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 So very sorry to hear about poor Marj . I can't add any extra words of wisdom about what happened to her, but hens don't have a very effective immune system and can be vulnerable to illness, which they disguise very well until quite late in the process. Quite possibly your neighbour, not being as in tune with them as you are, quite simply didn't recognise that she wasn't well. Or maybe as Clare suggested it was something very rapid like a heart attack which no one would have seen coming. So nice though that Marj died with you, warm and peaceful and feeling treasured. Quiet dignity and love, that's a real bonus at the end of any life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballgunner Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 sorry to here about marj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fowlbird Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 sorry to hear about Marj, we lost our Ginger yesterday so I know how it feels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
