Unsecure chicken perches

[Surfnirvana]

I came down to let the girls out of their run on Sunday morning. All three were weaving to and fro, wanting to come out, which I was so pleased about as Doris had been showing signs of Sour crop and had been very quiete & weak.

 

As soon as I opened the door they all ran out to see what treats I had for them. I put down the dish of a small amount of rice, and as soon as Betty put her head down, clear, yellow liquid came out of her beak and she started to cough & splutter. She couldn't get her breath and there was a terrible rattling sound coming from her chest. She died in my arms a minute later! I couldn't believe it! I know she was in her golden years, but Betty had been a really healthy chicken - no problems with her at all. It was a real shock. I think she must have had a chest infection (but hidden it from me) and then a heart attack.

 

Then yesterday, Doris started going down hill with this sour crop. I had been gently emptying it and then feeding her live yogurt, but she was very lethargic and not her normal bossy self. I decided to take her to the vets (Jason at Woods Vet Group, Gloucester is excellent). He examined her thoroughly and gave me some baytril to syringe down her beak and I have to inject her twice a day with something that stimulates her crop.

 

Good news - this morning Doris is like a compeletly different chook! Back to her old self and doing normal chickenny things. I'm continuing with the injections and baytril for the next week. So that was definitely money well spent at the vets! Both chooks are a little quiet and I'm sure they are missing Betty.

 

So sad that Betty has died, and it seems very odd only having 2 chooks now in the cube - it looks rather empty! I'm considering getting some buff orpingtons as I don't want Rose or Doris to be the last chicken standing if one of them goes.

[mollyripkim]

Really sorry to hear about Betty, must have been such a shock for you. At least she wasn't ill for a long time and was happy until the end. Hope Doris continues to improve.

[scarlettohara]

Sad for Betty but hope Doris continues to improve

[Plum]

Poor you losing Betty like that but well done with Doris, long may she live.

[Surfnirvana]

Thanks everyone. Doris was a little quieter today but hopefully the Baytrill will be kicking in soon - fingers crossed!

 

The two chooks are definitely missing Betty - seems so strange just the two of them now. Will keep you posted!

 

Xx