Eglu Go With 2m Run For Sale

[Uma]

Hi all,

 

I wondered if you could let me know your opinions on how you assess whether your chooks have a good quality of life, particularly if you know they are poorly. I am very much of the frame of mind that I will treat my girls at the vet and keep them well that way. However I currently have one older hybrid girl (3 plus) who has sterile peritonitis. She was treated with antibiotics as a precaution a few weeks ago and has had the hormonal injection to stop her producing eggs. However she isn't eating. she is drinking and preening and running out with the others to FR, sunbatheing etc. But not eating. She also doesn't come in unless I round her up now, which I am assuming is just the hormonal changes in her from the injection (she was like this before she came into lay).

 

I feel she does have a quality of life still, as she doesn't seem to be moping, tail is up, comb is ok colour etc. But its the eating thing that is bothering me. I know there is nothing more I can do, but part of me feels that to choose to end her life isn't very fair when actually she may still be happy.

 

Any opinions?

 

Uma x

[Duncan08]

It is always a hard question and one that will always have differing views.

 

I think I agree with you, if she is still happy to be running around then I would make an assumption that she isn't feeling much pain.

 

The lack of appetite is a worry, but it may well come back.

I think I would watch and wait for a little while too.

[jackian]

I agree ..As long as she is not in pain then I would let her be.When her time comes she will just go peacefully when she wants to. I had to have one of my girls PTS 2 weeks ago but she had broken her leg and was in pain.That is different.

If she is drinking could you put some tonic in her water?

The more I look at my girls and watch them I realise they are hardier and stronger than I think they are.

[Olly]

I'd apply the same criteria as I would to any other animal -

are they in pain?

If not, are they able to follow normal patterns of behaviour (even if a bit more slowly/less often)?

Are they experiencing symptoms which are upsetting (e.g. if my cat became incontinent - it would distress him more than it would me)?

And finally - does treatment involve something which is invasive and distressing for the animal, with no prospect of long-term success?

 

If I can answer 'no' to all of those, then they still have quality of life. As long as her tail is up and she is running around, I'd let her carry on.