Take part in study on PFAS 'forever chemicals' in eggs

[Millie-Annie]

This really is the blight of ex-batts I think. Poor old Lyla has succumbed. She is waddling, unable to climb over the small step to the extension run, her comb is bluish and she is breathing heavily.

 

The sad thing is, she is still able to enjoy the sun and eat her treats, but the other girls keep attacking her. I can isolate her, but then what is the point of keeping her alive to enjoy the sun and potter about if she can't? I think I will ring the vet and set her free tonight, do you think that would be doing the right thing?

 

My first three ex-batts weren't like this, they were good friends, this lot are evil, Rene even pecks us on the legs and feet.

 

Marigold (Suffolk Noir) and Tallulah (White Star) don't attack her.

[Chucky Mama]

I think that once they start showing symptoms they are feeling really very sick Whilst she will have periods of looking like she may be comfortable and enjoying life, the majority of the time she will be struggling and feeling horrible. I really think that you should act now to prevent suffering I have lost 2 hybrids to peritonitis, it is horrible isn't it

[LunaKiw1]

I think you know it's might be kindest to let her go. Our vet said on Friday that by the time they show real symptoms they are already past much hope. I feel guilty now that we left ginger so long before taking her as the continual laying of lashes, not eating and runny poo etc recently were all as a result of her insides basically just rotting - which is a horrible thought. She must have been so uncomfortable even though - as you describe- there were times when she still looked as if she was enjoying life in the garden.

[coco]

My ex batt Lily had peritonitis from last october to last month when I had her PTS. Most of the time she seemed happy and was eating and scrathing round. It was when the bad days start to outnumber the good days that I decided it was time for her to go. The day I took her the fluid had actualy gone and she was better. Its a hard descion to make but it really is a downward spiral, unfortunately its a consequence of the life they had before.

[Millie-Annie]

Thank you for your comments they are really helpful. I spoke to my vet yesterday and although he doesn't treat chickens (I have a chicken vet for that) he is happy to do the deed. But when I got home she ran down the garden and ate some sweetcorn, so I didn't make the decision. Still not sure what to do. Problem is we go away and I hate to think of her being bullied and no one noticing. At the moment they are fine with her it seems to be first thing in the morning when they all meet up. I am here all day tomorrow, so I shall watch and decide then.

 

Her pooh is like bright green soup now (sorry if TMI)

[LunaKiw1]

Our Ginger's poo went like that at the end. She wasn't eating either and although she had the odd lively moment generally wasn't herself. When we took her to the vet's last Friday he diagnosed acute peritonitis and she had to be PTS. He said her insides must have been in an awful putrid state. I feel guilty for not having taken her earlier really but it seems you can't always tell how ill they are. I'm afraid it does sound as if your girl might need to move to free range in chicken heaven.

[Millie-Annie]

I am being cruel keeping her alive aren't I? Ok, I will listen to you all and ring the vet now.

[Chucky Mama]

Sad but you know it is the right decision.

[sage]

Hi Millie-annie,

I know how you are feeling. Betty my top chuck is in a cat carrier under my desk, she will not be going home tonight. I found her in the run last night collapsed, she cannot stand and is very thin. She has not been well on & off for a while. I have hand fed her today her favourate grapes & mealworms and we have had plenty of cuddles, it will break my heart but I know the time has come.

Sage

[LunaKiw1]

Dear Sage, that image makes me feel all tearful - so I can only imagine how you feel. I'm sure you're doing the right thing tonight as she does sound very poorly. Lots of hugs.

[Egluntyne]

You are doing the right thing. In my experience they never recover.

[Millie-Annie]

It is done and I feel relieved but sad.

 

Sage I am so sorry to read about Betty, but she will be able to go to the free range chicken place in the sky with Lyla.

 

The vet said her heart was struggling because of the amount of fluid in her abdomen. She said they would give her a whiff of gas so she relaxed and then inject under the wing. I said you will do straight away won't you and she promised they would.

 

Fly free Lyla xxx

[The Dogmother]

You are doing the right thing. In my experience they never recover.

 

Same here, it's best not to let them suffer.