Is your dog's unusual barking a secret code for something mysterious?

[Pikey]

My Cookie hasn't really been herself since Saturday. She started slowing down and being very quiet (not like her). Monday she was worse but by Tuesday PM she stopped even venturing out of the run to get mealworms and eventually took herself to being in the Eglu.

 

I kept her in overnight where she drank quite a bit but pecked at some food but it was like she wouldn't swallow it. Today she had a bit to drink and a little scrambled egg with honey and yougurt but tonight nothing.

 

Her poo is watery, white with very dark greenish bits in it. She is also now unable to stand and keeps leaning to one side. Her crop has a bit in it its not squidgy like sour crop and no smell.....feels gritty??

 

Her comb has got smaller and is going purple every now and again.....the rest of the time its bright red. She was prone to softies and then about 3 months ago seemed

to stop laying...I'm wondering with warmer weather perhaps she has started again and has broken egg or something. I thought it was this to begin with which is why not so worried. I can't feel an egg but don't want to press too hard. Her belly feels a bit swollen but itsn't not warm which I thought it would be if she had an infection.

 

She was wormed with Flubenvent about a month ago

 

Shes now just sat down and keeps sleeping. Her breathing is quite slow but is not raspy and there is no runny nose or eyes. I've kept her inside.

 

I know its prob the end for her and is prob just old age but before I have her put to sleep at the vets is there anything more I can do for her and that I am doing the right thing???

 

Also I need some love and support as my other half just doesn't seem to get why I am so upset and isn't helping by keep saying well she is an ex-batt and I shouldn't become so attached.

Edited April 1, 2010 by Guest

[Tutti Frutti]

Oh poor Cookie and poor you. As far as i know, you've covered everything - worming, checking crop and for a softie, checked her eyes and nose, breathing...

 

And of course you're attached to her - she's her own special girl with her own special ways. We're all right behind you. I hope you both have a quiet night, I'll be watching out for news in the morning. Perhaps try to tempt her with her favourite treats in the morning (I used to make porridge with grapes, spaghetti, mealworms, tomatoes and cucumber for Penny - anything to get sloppy food into her).

 

I know how sad it is and how helpless we feel... you've done all you can for now so it's down to Cookie now. Have faith in your little girl. Sending you tons of good luck vibes xxx

[Egluntyne]

It sounds as if she need to see the vet.

 

I'm wondering if she has peritonitis. The symptoms you describe would fit with this.

 

Best of luck.

[Olly]

So sorry to hear this, I think you've done all you can from what you describe above. As you accept, it may just be that she's reached the end of her time. She's had a wonderful second chance though, after the battery farm. I hope the vet can offer some options, and yes we do understand how you feel.

[Daphne]

I think Tutti Frutti has expressed every thing I'd like to say very well.

 

Perhaps take somebody with you if you can to the vets?

 

We all understand what its like to get attached to our birds, so don't worry about that - you're in the right place to tell us all about Cookie. Wishing you lots of good luck later.

[Pikey]

Cookie was put to sleep by the vet today. He didn't think egg peritonitis as tummy not swollen but he could feel a lump so thinks she may of had a tumour of some sort.

 

She did get up today and have some water and a grape but when I put her outside to say goodbye she walked a bit did a horrible yellow smelly poo, ate some grass and then toppled over to one side.

 

The vet has ex-batts of his own and we both agreed that it would be cruel to let her suffer.

 

He said most chickens go quietly but true to form Cookie kept fighing till then end I'm glad that I could hold her as she died so she knew she was loved and to say a final goodbye.

 

I'll miss my gobby little madam.......thanks for all your kind words it does really help x

[ClaireG]

((hugs)) Sorry to hear that

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I'm so sorry to hear about poor Cookie .

[Daphne]

Yes, I'm sorry too You obviously gave her a very good life to the end. RIP Cookie.

[Sheilaz]

.... I'm glad that I could hold her as she died so she knew she was loved and to say a final goodbye....

That's exactly how I feel, thank you for posting. Cookie did know, you gave her a wonderful retirement, and treated her with love & dignity to the end. Hugs & tea from me. xx

[Tutti Frutti]

Oh I'm so sorry. What a brave girl, what a star! Hugs from me too

[chick wiggle]

So sorry, heartwrenching stuff.

RIP Cookie

[Chicktastic]

RIP Cookie!!! Sending big {{{{{ HUGS }}}}} xxx

[Egluntyne]

Sorry to hear it.

[pipistrelle]

So sorry (((hugs)))

 

P x

[Sarahsausage]

Oh I'm so sorry Pikey, it's heartbreaking when you lose one of your girls. My Betty has very similar symptoms to Cookie and I'm so worried about her, I can't get to the vets either as they are shut till Tuesday