squidsin Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 She is at the bottom of the pecking order of my three, and even though they don't bully her badly (that I have seen anyway) she seems sad and quiet, wants to sleep all the time, and she's a lot smaller than either of them (even though I hand feed her treats, and I know she gets enough to eat of the usual food and water). She also has a gammy eye at the mo - we're off to the vet this morning as it hasn't cleared up on her own - so that might be contributing to her feeling glum, but I feel sad for her! Is this normal and should I just toughen up a bit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 I'd feel sorry for her too . Are you sure she's not got worms or beasties? (She may not have got the right dose if she's bottom of the pecking order - long shot, but worth a thought?) Hopefully the vet will rule anything like that out . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 She's probably feeling a bit poorly if her eye is sore and vet will sort her out. I used to feel sorry for Portia who was bottom and sometimes used to feed her treats away from the others. However now she is bigger she has no problems and stands up for herself. Some seem to just take longer than others Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidsin Posted June 15, 2010 Author Share Posted June 15, 2010 I'm in the middle of their monthly worming session (I use Verm-X) but hopefully the vet will be able to advise. At least I have a valid excuse for taking her in with her sore eye and haven't had to make an appointment for a depressed chicken! I use bark in the run so I'm wondering if she's got a respiratory infection - I'll find out soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidsin Posted June 15, 2010 Author Share Posted June 15, 2010 Well the vet thinks she has an upper respiratory infection so she's on antibiotics and I have to isolate her - a logistical nightmare as I have one Eglu and one other broody chicken! Guess I am going to have to buy a cheap coop. Arrgh. The vet just cost me £40! That's twice what I paid for her - and she's not even laying yet! The things we do for our pets, eh?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 I have a rabbit hutch you can borrow - I'm in St Albans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidsin Posted June 15, 2010 Author Share Posted June 15, 2010 I have a rabbit hutch you can borrow - I'm in St Albans That would be fantastic - are you sure you wouldn't mind? I'll PM you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannablue Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 Poor nugget. I am sure she will be fine once she feels well. My Welsummer got an infection the day after we got them (got all 4 girls at the same time). We had to keep her separate and it was difficult to see her on her own but somehow she knew we were helping. We put her in the veg bed behind wire (no plants in it at that time) during the day so she and the others could see each other so when she went back to them it wasnt too bad. She is not bottom of the rung and is a happy girl who now mothers the others and makes sure all are in bed on a night Keep us updated on Nuggets progress. She will appreciate the TLC and I am sure she will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidsin Posted June 16, 2010 Author Share Posted June 16, 2010 Aw thanks dannablue! Well this morning her eye looked a bit better, and I've given her the antibiotics, a dose of Verm-X (her third one) and a thorough dusting with Diatomous Earth to get rid of any lice, and she has plenty of food and water so fingers crossed she picks up. She has had a mini FR this morning, and she can see the other two from her hutch (well the other one as silly Goujon is still broody and has to be locked out of the nest box for a few hours a day to be sure she eats and drinks). Bless her, she is a scratty, smelly, skinny little chicken compared to my other two but I will nurse her back to health and beauty - somehow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannablue Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 Im sure you will Squidsin. She is certainly getting all the help she needs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
