jjmack Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Hi, Florence was fine yesterda and I even think she laid. She has had mucky knickers this week but nothing else major. Has seemed ok apart from today when I found her huddled in a corner, reluctant to move and with a very pale floppy dry comb. I managed to get her out of the run and she didn't complain when I picked her up - unheard of as she never couches or lets me catch her. I brought her inside and have washed her knickers. She is now in a trug with some chippings in the downstairs loo as its away from the cats, is quiet and warm. She has a little bit of corn in there which she is pecking at, but isn't taking any water. She does seem to have perked up a bit. She has been wormed monthly and I don't think there are red mite as I clean weekly with poultry shield (its an eglu with plastic roosting bars) and haven't seen any. She has garlic powder in her food and has access to grit. Mildred who lives with her is fine. They are both about 2 1/2 so it may just be she is bowing out. I just want to make sure I have done everyhting I can. Any ideas gratefully received. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 No ideas really - she could have a softie on the way, that can make them a bit miserable. It is going to be cold tonight so I think you have done the right thing bringing her in the warm. Sometimes if mine have been a bit down in the dumps and not wanting to drink, giving them something like melon pieces can get them hydrated. Hope she looks brighter in the morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjmack Posted February 23, 2012 Author Share Posted February 23, 2012 Hi, she still is indoors as hasn't perked up. i am taking her to the lady i bought her from tomorrow as she is pretty good at checking them over and sussing out what is wrong (she will also do the deed if necessary). She is drinking a bit and eating treats, so maybe she is just having a bit of time out! Lets see what comes of tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 Good that she's drinking. Have you listened to her breathing, put your ear on her back and you'll be able to hear it. Good luck tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjmack Posted February 24, 2012 Author Share Posted February 24, 2012 Well it turns out she has feather mites. I completely missed these, had searched for red mite in the eglu and checked the bird over but hadn't spotted them. They are really small and quite pale. She is feeling low as they are feeding off her. Have now sprayed her with Johnsons mite and lice spray and checked the other chicken over. I have syringed some water down her beak and giving her pasta, grapes etc to try to bulk her up a bit. Hopefully we have caught it in time. Now i know what to look for. Have set up a little cage in the garden so she can get some fresh air but doesn't burn off too many calories by scratching etc until she is brighter. Will still bring her in at night. At least I know what it is and I have had her checked over. I still feel a bit guilty I didn't pick this up, but I will spoil her a bit and hope she pulls through Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loumabel Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 Good luck to Florence, fingers crossed she keeps improving Don't blame yourself, it is so hard to pick these symptoms up and you acted straight away when you found out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 I'd have thought it was too cold, I'm off to check mine. Well done finding them, hope she picks up quick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
