Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[Bramble]

I got home last night to find one of my new ex-batts (rescued early September this year) had died ... she seemed fine in the morning when I checked on them before work so I'm very shocked ... she had such a short retirement ... I lost one of last year's ex-batts (after 15 months) a couple of weeks ago, I'm pretty sure that was just "old age" and I don't think the two are connected, but I'm a bit worried now

I have four other girls (two of whom are from the same September ex-batt rescue), they all seem fine, but so did Casserole yesterday, they are eating well though all have stopped laying in the last week or so (I think that might be because they're all moulting?)

I wonder what went wrong?

Edited November 6, 2011 by Guest

[Ain't Nobody Here]

How sad and what a shock for you . Sounds like it was just one of those inexplicable things .

[Egghead68]

I'm sorry for your loss. At least she enjoyed her last weeks and did not suffer.

[Bramble]

I'm wondering if maybe moulting was just too much for her? Doesn't seem very fair that she only had two months of retirement though

[chestnutmare]

I'm wondering if maybe moulting was just too much for her? Doesn't seem very fair that she only had two months of retirement though

I'm sorry to hear this. But remember that the 2mths she had with you were the best and well worth it. She was very lucky to be homed with you.

[fluffy chick]

sorry bramble

[Pikey]

Poor little thing....at least she had good last 2 months of life.

 

xx

[cathybc]

sorry to hear about your girls x

[Bramble]

Well, I checked on the chucks first thing this morning, all seemed fine. I've just been out again to let them out for playtime and Korma, another of the new ex-batts is very quiet, huddled up at the back of the run and hasn't come charging out with the others. I have given her some Nutridrops,but fear she is going the same way as her Sister ... what on earth have I done wrong?

[Egghead68]

I don't suppose you have done anything wrong at all. Do you think she might have a softie on the way? Any other symptoms? Can you bring her in the warm? The wind is awful today (round here anyway).

[Bramble]

I'd be thrilled if it was "just" a softie, though somehow I doubt it, the girls haven't laid for over a week now (I think it's down to moulting), I will have to call the vet tomorrow ...

[Bramble]

Please don't shout at me Omleteers, but I'm wondering if the problem could be mites (not sure what sort, but not red mite)?

I've just been out to syringe some more water into Korma (fortified with nutridrops and lifeguard), she's really subdued now so Iwas able to have a good look at her (always difficult without an assistant). I parted her feathers and can see that she has got some small white/almost clear bugs on her ... I'm assuming these are mites ... could these be the cause of her problem or are they picking on her now because she is ill?

Anyway, I've covered her (and the others, as far as they would let me) in Mite Powder, but I fear I might be too late to save Korma.

I can't believe that I didn't notice them before (I have looked) but I guess it's so much easier when the patient isn't really up for a fight!

Anything else I can do? I'm so ashamed ...

[Egghead68]

You can spot on some ivermectin or similar (not licensed for poultry in the UK). I think some people also wash them in dog anti-flea shampoo. There is lots of information in the sticky at the top of this board. Personally I would bring her in the warm and try to make sure she is eating and drinking then take her to the vet tomorrow. Good luck.

[Plum]

Probably lice I'd give her a spray several days apart with Johnsons lice and mite spray. Hope she picks up but keep an eye on her it could be something else making her poorly.

[sparkysmum]

Sorry to hear about your ladies, Bramble. Re the bugs, as plum says it's probably lice and you'll need to de - bug her with Johnstons or something similar. I use Xeno 200 from the vet but it's very expensive. They will have come out the battery unit with them so it's def not you, so pleeeeeeeese don't think so. I don't think lice make them so poorly so keep a watch on them. Alli x

[Bramble]

Thank you everyone

Little Korma has made it through the night and looked (relatively) perky this morning. I syringe fed her a rather bizzare cocktail of nutridrops, water, lifeguard and runny pellets last night and made sure she was in the Cube nest box with the others (I don't think she was strong enough to make it up the ladder by herself). I've syringe fed her again this morning, much to her disgust and I made pellet porridge for the other girls which Korma did take a few mouthfuls of (without help from me).

I've covered them all in Johnsons Mite Powder (that's all I had and late on a Sunday afternoon, the options for getting anything else were non existent) is that ok, or should I get the spray as well? ... will have to see what Countrywide sell, they are my only chicken supply shop without a LONG drive (awkward when I'm at work). I fear it's too late for Korma, she is quite weak, but if I can get on top of the lice/mites whatever the little so and so's are, then hopefully I can keep the others ok.

I'm very sorry I've let you down, girls.

[poppy ben grace]

So sorry to read this bramble. You havent let your girls down, you have loved them and given them freedom, even if it is for a short time. I know how you feel, i lost an exbat after a couple of months through gape worm and blamed myself for not worming them with flubenvet. It may be something more than the lice, its hard to say. Hens go downhill so quickly. Please dont blame yourself, sending big hugs and that little Korma pulls through.