Solving Omlet Smart Auto Door Timing Issues with Alexa Routines

[KateP]

I have a three and a half year old pepperpot who has not seemed herself over the last couple of days. She has been very quiet and isn't moving around as much as normal. Sometimes she stands with her eyes closed. I haven't seen her eating that much but she is drinking water. We rarely have eggs from her now, maybe one every few weeks. I have felt her abdomen and as far as I can tell there are no blockages, nothing feels hard. Her crop also feels ok. I'm concerned as today the tips of her comb have gone a purple colour. I suppose this may be stress if she's not feeling well and also there is always a bit of squabbling between the three of them. Or it could indicate something more serious?

 

I had this with her over the Easter weekend but she was her normal self again within a few days - although her comb wasn't purple then.

 

I just don't know what could be wrong? It may need a trip to the vets.

[Daphne]

Purple tinged combs can be the result of heart/circulatory issues. The latter can be for all sorts of reasons from respiratory problems to things going awry inside (eg tumours) and pressing on airways. Essentially its the symptom of something, and I have to say its never a good sign, but on the other hand 3.5 years old is not bad for a hybrid and she may just be winding down. Because of this I would say its up to you what to do - either monitor for now if she seems comfortable, particularly encouraging her eating/drinking, or take her to the vet.

[KateP]

Thanks for your advice. I was afraid it might be something serious. I am going to keep an eye on her for the time being and see how she goes. I might take her to the vets tomorrow if she doesn't perk up. She seems fairly comfortable at the moment - I've brought her indoors to give her a break from the other two troublemakers.

 

She is one of my original Omlet girls and I will be very upset when something happens to her but at least I know she's had a very good life with us.

[MedusA]

My Scully is in exactly the same situation, Kate. She is also 3 1/2, my last surviving Omlet girl and has been winding down since just before Christmas. She's on a course of Baytril at present, for a possible infection, but the vet and I suspect she probably has an underlying tumour and/or "old lady disease". That said, her appetite picked up yesterday after several days of not really eating, which was encouraging.

 

While she's happy to pootle about I will keep her going, but as soon as she stops enjoying life I will let her go with dignity. She has been top chook all her life and has been very active and happy, so whilst it is sad to see her fading, I have no real regrets.