nikkichick Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Anyone who can help........ We have a hybrid who for a while has been bottom of the pecking order We have had to use sprays to stop the other 2 pecking at her. She has always been a shy girl but this morning she didn't come out of the coop at all. About 12:30pm she still wasn't out and hadn't eaten or drank anything, when i opened the back of the coop up she was stumbling about (like she was drunk). Her balance seems very off and she seemed to be not putting her foot down flat on the floor in a kind of ' i forgot to open out all my toes' kinda way. I put her in a box (to give her some respite from the bullying) in the coolness of the shed with her own water and food and there she has been all day. Her comb in not as red as it has been and i think there's a little blood in her poo, which is some normal and some runny. I'm really worried about her, any ideas and advice very appreciated from a worried chook mum!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 It sounds as if she has something neurological going on if she is not using her foot properly, in a 'knuckling' kind of way. I'd syringe water into her beak if she isn't managing to drink by herself, and try to get an appointment at the vet's tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkichick Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 Right, i've used a straw to give her some water, i've also hand fed her a few bits of mash and corn with some potato. She was standing a bit more, but still seems to lean to one side (a bit like a stroke). I've also cleaned the coop and disinfected it for the other 2 incase it's catching. She's still seperate and i've located a vet's for the morning. . Keeping everything crossed!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkichick Posted August 22, 2011 Author Share Posted August 22, 2011 Ok, so i emailed a chap on a friends recommendation and he asked what her diet was like, so i said, she's on Omlet layers food (since we got them in feb) and in the afternoon they have a handful of corn to scratch up and either potato/brocolli/cauliflower/toast, never all at the same time, but it's an afternoon something usually, and now his tone has totally changed and he says thier diet is totally unbalanced. From reading on the omlet forums thats not the impression i got at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 I don't think what you are feeling is relevant to your chicken's current condition. I would consider popping her along to a vet for an examination. Hens that lay really need to be fed a layers mash or pellets as they contain everything that they need to support them and product an egg with a good shell quality. Fresh green leaves are good especially for those that don't get the opportunity to free range much. Treats should be kept be fed in moderation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkichick Posted August 23, 2011 Author Share Posted August 23, 2011 Little update..... Took Albi to the vets and got some electrolytes to replace sugars and salts and some antibiotics which are not easy to syringe into her. She is much brighter this morning tho, chirping away (she never really lost her chick chirp ) She's walking better and much more alert, also trying to fight the syringing of the meds (which at least means she's got some strength back!) Pleasing morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkichick Posted August 25, 2011 Author Share Posted August 25, 2011 So today ive handfed her some mash and also some toast soaked in water (anything to get fluids into her), today i syringed the whole dose of meds into her with no fighting Ive syringed some of the electrolyte water into her but....... She can't stand unaided at all now, it's like she has no control over her legs, she can't even sit properly, her legs splay out from underneath her. I'm also 75% sure that while i was out doing the meds and water and feeding, she has some kind of mimi fit, eith a lots of shking her head and a wierd thing with her eyes (a kind of raid blinking thing) which relaly freaked me out. She's got 2 days of antibiotics left, but (and it makes me sick to say it) at what point does it become "the kindest thing to do"?? When i'm with her she seems ok, but she's been in a box by herself since saturday, and she's got real problems just sitting and standing. The whole situation is breaking my heart, i would hate to think she's in pain and suffering but i don't want to lose her..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 I'm sorry to hear it. In answer to your question, I'd look at quality of life - hens are social creatures and while a few days in isolation don't hurt, is she going to be able to rejoin the flock? Will she be able to scratch about, dustbath etc? It does sound as if there's something neurological going on. Obviously your vet is best placed to advise, but you've clearly tried very hard for her - sometimes there's nothing else to be done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkichick Posted August 29, 2011 Author Share Posted August 29, 2011 At a second vets appointment, the vet suggested it was something neurological, and there was nothing else she could do, OH took her, and we'd had the discussion and it was decided it was kinder to put her to sleep The remaining girls can't figure out where she's gone. RIP Albie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 I'm really sorry to hear you lost her, it's always a horrible time but you did your best for her, hope the others are ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
