Is your dog's unusual barking a secret code for something mysterious?

[Peaches]

The ill-health of Bodie and Henrietta has been a real problem for me .. I posted that I had red mite and thought Henrietta may have peritonitis. Today I took them both to the vet - Henrietta for a calcium injection as I was sure she was, in fact, egg bound as she has been hunched up and walking like John Wayne and Bodie for a vitamin shot to perk her up.

 

Turns out they're both just getting old No big mystery. The trouble with rescue hens is that you can't be sure how old they are when you get them and I thought when they stopped laying, slowed up etc that I was missing some hideous infliction they were suffering from. I have been nuking the coop on a regular (ie every other day) basis and generally going out of my mind convinced they were being eaten alive. Plus, we had to dispatch lovely Daphne as she was definitely suffering from peritonitis and was in pain

 

My vet said that in nature as they get older the cold would get them or a predator, so when they are in a protected environment they can survive for much longer - but slowly. I can't tell you all how relieved I am. I work in an elderly person's home so I can see for myself how everyone slows up and eats a lot less etc. I had been beating myself up for not being able to cure them. He said that Henrietta's John Wayne walk was because anatomically she's a bit malformed and it's hitting her now she's old. They both still make happy noises and eat, but, rather sweetly, spend most of the day in the run close together rather than free-ranging.

 

I know it's pretty obvious chickens would age and start to fade .. but I have to say, it wasn't obvious to me and once the vet said it, everything made sense. I'm sad, because I love my chickens, but so glad I hadn't missed something I should have noticed.

 

Fiona

 

I

Edited September 27, 2011 by Guest

[Plum]

In that case congratulations for getting your girls to old age, hope they have a long one.

[mollyripkim]

I think you have done really well with your girls and when we are emotionally attached it's hard to see the wood for the trees if you know what I mean. You are a good chicken mum to take them to the vet and at least it has reassured you.

[Peaches]

I'm absolutely gutted, because of my own stupid, interferring fault, my friend's dog has just killed Bodie. I'm devastated - I thought the fence was secure but he found a way through. She took a couple of minutes to die and I know I failed her. I didn't have to have the dog in my house or garden, I was just walking him while a friend was away, but I brought him into the garden and didn't protect Bodie. Bodie was one half of the older girl duo and now Henrietta, who hung around with her, is sat all on her on. I feel sick. After the time I've had recently, 3 out of the 6 now dead, I don't think I can face ever having chickens again - my heart won't stand it.

[chicken bark]

How awful.

 

Just remember you are only human.

 

So sorry for your girl and her friend that is left.

 

Don't make any decisions about hen keeping now. You have provided a lovely home for them so far and are obviously very caring - this was just a very unfortunate and untimely accident.

[Egluntyne]

That is a shame ... but it was an accident. Don't beat yourself up.

[Daphne]

Fiona - I'm so sorry What a horrible thing to happen to you and to Bodie. You will feel dreadful for a while I'm sure, but just take the days as they come and don't forget all the good times and the good things you did for your birds as well. And do remember, we have all done stupid things with our hens and cockerals; there will always be something we'd like to turn the clock back about. Its what we do going forward which is the important thing. RIP Bodie.

 

PS: Go and tell the bees, its what they are there for and it might help you.

[Plum]

So sorry what an awful accident. Hugs for you

[Peaches]

Thank you so much for your words .... I just can't stop crying - it was my job to protect her and I failed. She had a horrid last 3 or 4 minutes of life. I'm sorry - for some reason I just need to say it how it was. xx Fiona

[jenkey]

I'm so sorry to hear your news. I can really feel your pain and at least here you are amongst friends and no-one would think you silly for loving and mourning for your girls. xxx

[counturchickens]

Really sad story, I can only imagine how you feel, but please remember without you then girls wouldn't have had a retirement at all. Take care xx