Omlet Smart Autodoor - New in box

[katie-may]

the baby of the coop vesper has had her tail down since Christmas, I have rewormed them, kept them clean, fed them vitamins all that stuff but she hasn't got any better. I fully checked her over and she was physically fine. Yesterday and the day before I got an egg off her and she hasn't laid for months cus shes 3 now so it was expected but the eggs were a shock. I was hoping it was just an egg stuck and this morning was expecting a normal happy chicken. However, she is worse...

 

Her tail is almost under her and shes completely upright. Although, shes still eating she is not going out and when I stroke her she closes her eyes and almost falls over. She wobbles when she walks and her sister has become very protective. She has a very swollen fluid like gut as well now, which I didn't notice before...what's wrong?? Please help, I don't know if she will make it through the night =(

Edited February 1, 2012 by Guest

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Could it be peritonitis?

[katie-may]

After reading that information it could very well be but I don't know what to do now...She is 3 and I wasn't expecting any eggs from her or her sister. If it is just fluid will her body soak it up and she will recover or could it be infected? Her appetite is fine but I honestly don't know if she will recover. She's only tiny and the vets is great that we use as they deal with farm animals too but even they said the best thing to do is put her down as with how skinny she is and her age she won't likely make it through surgery. Plus money is really tight at the moment as I've just lost my job I just don't want her to be in pain

[majuka]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I know when our first chook that we had pts developed peritonitis, our first vet did briefly mention surgery. He advised us that birds don't anaesthetise well and only about 5% would survive. This was the second time Veronica had peritonitis. She had it in the March and made a recovery on antibiotics. It did come back in the June and the antibiotics didn't work the second time She was an ex batt and we made the decision that the risk of her dying during surgery and the immense stress that she would be put under was not in her best interests so we had her pts.

 

We have changed vets since, for a number of reasons, and our new vet is also of the opinion that surgery is often not the way to go with hens.

 

You say that your vet is great so you obviously value their opinion (not all vets are that fussed about chickens). You know your girl better than anyone and you will know if she is suffering. It is up to us as their owners not only to take care of them but to let them go if they are in pain and suffering. It is a heartbreaking decision and, no matter how many times you have to make that decision, it never gets any easier.

[Olly]

How is she this morning?

 

If she is looking that ill, then she is very poorly because hens often conceal their symptoms. At three years old, peritonitis is a very likely explanation, and yes she could have an infection. I think the best thing would be to take your vet's advice. Sorry - it's always upsetting when this happens, but as Majuka has said, it's our responsibility as owners to make the right decision. Personally, I would never put a hen through surgery, but that's an individual choice.

[staceychristie]

How's the poos? Is the vent clean? Tried other foods like pasta etc?

 

Hope she's feeling better.

 

Stacey

[katie-may]

Well she is still with us. I've resisted the urge to bring her in because after all they are supposed to be free range. I am struggling to see her like this. The vet is really sympathetic with us and has asked us to call them on Monday with a decision and update. They are a good half hour away though and I don't think I would put her through the stress of travelling let alone an operation. Her sister is leaving her in intervals now but is still very protective when she hears someone enter the nesting section. She hasn't really moved today or yesterday we have been feeding her in the corner. Her appetite is still there but she is right in the corner of her nesting box...I just don't know what to do thankyou for all the support and info though it has been a real help

[katie-may]

reply to the last message: poos seem runny, vent is clean, we fed her on some rice yesterday, sweetcorn the day before and shes a right piglet nothing stopping that! I think she only moved yesterday to get water because I left her in the left nesting box and when I refurned she was in the right one. Shes still in the right one now tho

[katie-may]

Shes still with us. She has gone lame so i have seperated her in to a carry case so she can't harm herself. She is still eating and drinking, the vets said they can't do anything unless they see her but they are a good distance away and I don't know what to do. If it is towards the end I'd like her to be with her sister, comfortable and happy. But then again if its not and she could recover from this of course that comes first. can a chicken recover from this?? Any ideas?

[Mum]

Haven't experienced this Katie-May, but reading through your posts, I think it is unlikely she will recover from this. I am so sorry, but I think you are going to lose her. She isn't getting any better and it seems she is deteriorating.

 

((hugs))

[katie-may]

Thank you for that message it was lovely and bought this in to realisation for me. I am going to wait until the morning and then ring the vets to see about putting her to sleep. She is still eating but she spends most the day asleep and I can't see how she is comfortable. I can't handle death especially with my pets but I can't be selfish holding on to her. Thanks for all your help it has been so appreciated. I will update tomorrow

[Plum]

I'm so sorry, it's horrid when you get to this stage but I think you are right not to let her suffer any longer. Brave decision, I'll be thinking of you.

[Mum]

Good luck at the vets today Katie-May. I know how distressing it can be to have to make these decisions and it does take courage. Be gentle with yourself today ((hugs))

[katie-may]

Well Vesper looked loads better after a night in the warmth, shes eating and drinking loads and attempting to walk. Her left leg has her digits straight and she mainly rests on her joint (knee maybe?) Her right leg has curled in digits and when she stands on this it looks uncomfortable. She is always a bit crooked so she uses her wings to stabalise herself.

 

The vet said it could have been a stroke or brain damage and has given her until tomorrow. Her appointment is 10:20. If she has to go, at least she is happy and warm. A chicken can't really live wthout being able to walk unfortunatly

 

Since shes been in the warmth i have noticed little black bug things. They look like headlice but don't seem to jump. My chickens have always kept themselves clean and I don't know what these are or if it could be a threat to my cats, dog, bunnies and other chicken...any quick fix incase she finds her feet tomorrow?

[Plum]

Lice and mite treatment. Johnsons spray is good.

I've read that curled toes are signs of neurological problem but could be wrong. Virtual hugs for you and chook.

[katie-may]

Hi, just wanted to leave an update. I took vesper to the vets this morning. She seemed perky in herself eating and drinking but only when hand fed. Her left leg was completely beneith her but her right leg was being used but still curled toes. She wasn't cleaning herself and had lost a lot of weight. The vet was lovely bless him, gave her a good look over and noted her weakness. After a conversation we decided to have her put to sleep. I was blubbering too much to stay so I left when they turned her on her side ready for the injection. She clucked once when i said goodbye. My partner stayed with her and said she went very quickly and without any fuss.

 

Just got little Juicy on her own now in a rather big pen bless her. Thanks for all the help over this difficult time.

[majuka]

Very sorry to hear this Katie-May. Sleep tight Vesper.

[superkitty]

So sorry to hear this, you must be feeling horrid today. Sounds like you did the right thing

[BizzyMomma]

So sorry to hear this, Good Night & God Bless you Vesper {{{HUGS}}} xxx

[Mum]

So sorry

 

You did your very best for her ((hugs))

[sandyhas3chucks]

it is the pits isn't it. xxx

[Egghead68]

So sorry to hear this. Hope you feel up to getting some friends for your other one soon.

[katie-may]

Just wondering; I have 1 chicken left now =( Are chickens ok on their own? She is quiet and staying in a lot which could be due to the cold but I am wondering if she will be better off with chickens around her as I know they love company. Am i thinking the right way, shall I give her to a friend who has chickens or is she better off alone?

[ohcarolina]

So sorry for your loss. All of the posts I've seen say that they are better off with friends

[mollyripkim]

Really sorry you have had such a difficult time but you did the right thing by her.

Do you not want to get any more girls? The only thing I would worry about if you gave her to a friend is that it is not always recommended to introduce a lone chicken but then I suppose if you got two more it would be similiar but your existing girl would be on her own territory.