HollyCat Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 I have an ex-barn hen who has gone off her food. I once had a flock of 6 rescue birds and am now down to 2. Betty, the third to last bird had to be put to sleep last week due to peritonitis, and ever since Mrs Pepperpot has gone off her food. In fact, both remaining birds have not laid an egg since Betty's demise. I have taken her to see a bird vet who can find nothing wrong with her. She is showing no other signs of being unwell - and I know the signs very well - she pecks around on the grass and half heartedly eats the odd mealworm or sunflower seed but with snow forecast for my area this weekend, I want her to have a full crop at bedtime. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Hello Holly cat and welcome to the forum Have you tried a porridge? Mix up their usual food with hot water, add some sweetcorn/mealworms etc and feed it to them whilst still warm. Mine get it every day before bed (not spoilt at all)!! Maybe they are missing their friend and feeling a bit low? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyCat Posted February 10, 2010 Author Share Posted February 10, 2010 Thank you for welcoming me Christian. I have tried porridge but she turns her beak up at it! None of my birds have ever taken to porridge even in good health. I do think she is feeling the loss of Betty. Betty was in the middle of the pecking order - now Mrs P is left with top bird Hilda. The birdvet asked me if they were close - its not something I have ever considered and I expect non-bird owners would scoff at, but I think maybe they were good friends and she feels her loss somehow. I need to cheer her up somehow!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathybc Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 I have found that tuna can perk them up - may be worth a try Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Yogurt? Mine love a mix of tuna, sweetcorn and a dollop of yogurt. They only get it rarely so it remains a treat. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyCat Posted February 11, 2010 Author Share Posted February 11, 2010 Thanks for the tuna tips. Had none in the cupboard last night but have sent husband out to get some today. I will let you know how I get along. It must be something to do with losing the middle bird. Top bird Hilda has started to moult and bottom bird Mrs P is not eating. All of this coincides with losing Betty. Surely it has something to do with that. Keep you posted. Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted February 11, 2010 Share Posted February 11, 2010 live maggots or live mealworms. or if not too freezing, take her digging for earth worms, requires you to dig too good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted February 11, 2010 Share Posted February 11, 2010 Holly, my girls will move mountains for pilchards, even more so than tuna............also scrambled egg is devoured at an obscene speed ...the extra protein will help with the moulting too......when I have poorly girls indoors I find ready brek is readily eaten, made up with hot water not milk & often with some bokashi bran added, vile stuff but they seem to like it I hope they get back to normal soon Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
