Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[milwichchickenlover]

I wonder if anyone can help me.

 

Last week we had to put our Penny to sleep due to her being egg bound. Our other Lucy who arrived on the same day as Penny has since become very withdrawn and tired and has not interacted with the rest of the flock since last Thursday - Penny's last day with us.

 

She is not eating, only drinking and is doing watery poos - although this morning we did have a curry coloured one from her. I have isolated her from the others and have started worming the whole flock this morning - although I did only do this last month - but I'm never sure if they all get the right dosage!

 

Is it possible that she might be missing Penny - they were inseperable - or could she just be ill. The morning after Penny died Lucy was wondering around the run and kept going back into the Cube as if she was looking for her and then made the most awful clucking noises for about half an hour. She is shaking her head occasionally as well and I've checked all over for lice/mites and in her mouth as well.

 

Any advice greatly received

 

 

I can't believe there is a possibility I could lose two chickens in just over a week!

[Egluntyne]

I'm sure you re right, she will be pining. I'd pop her in with the others at night and see how she goes during the day. She'll pal up with someone else in a while and get back to normal.

[Sheilaz]

Yes, when one of an inseparable pair died, her partner mourned for 3 weeks, despite having half a dozen other companions. After that, it was as if she'd forgotten & she was fine, but she used to go looking, and calling, especially at bedtime, and then stand around looking lost in the day. I did try and encourage her to eat & join in, and kept a special eye on her. She did eat though, so that's something to watch with yours.

Others have been & gone without the remaining ones having this reaction, but it proved a lot to me about their feelings & memory.

However, if she is particularly withdrawn, it is wise of you to consider all the ill health possibilities too. Maybe a bit of tonic as well?

Sorry to hear about Penny, and all the best for Lucy, hope she picks up soon.

[milwichchickenlover]

Thanks for all your comments but Lucy died tonight. She went off her legs and wouldn't move so I cuddled her and she died sitting on my lap. Awful. I hope it was of a broken heart and nothing I'm doing wrong. I can't believe I lost 2 chickens in 10 days.

[LittleOwl]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, that's awful. Rest in peace Lucy. Hugs for you.

[Sheilaz]

Aw, sorry to hear that. I suppose if they arrive together,the chances are that many of out hens will go within a short space of time too.

Very upsetting for you but I'm glad she had that last cuddle, she had a lovely life with you & you'd done all you could for her.

R.I.P. Lucy.