Bramble Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 One of my chucks is very off-colour. I noticed she was sitting in the run all sort of hunched up on Sunday - she let me pick her up which is an immediate indication that she didn't feel well. I couldn't believe how thin she feels - I don't think she can have been eating property for some while - her crop doesn't see to be the problem and there is no sign of lice or mites. I brought her in for TLC with Nutridrops etc and since Sunday she has been a house guest - quite happy in a large cat basket (another indication she's not well). At times she will eat quite well, but other times she sits hunched up, tail down looking very unwell. Feel I've given her long enough to recover on her own, so have booked an appointment to see the vet this afternoon - i'm just concerned what they are likely to say - just put her to sleep or suggest some treatment. The thing is, I don't want to just give up on her, but at the same time I don't want to prolong the inevitable (if it is inevitable). Haven't had to go to the vet with a chuck before, it's very scary! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 Our first trip we knew she would be PTS. The second time we didn't know what the prognosis would be. We were given the options, and the VET was clearly steering us towards putting the chook out of her misery. I felt very sad it had come to that - but in hindsite I think was the right decision. My advice - go with your gut instinct, and listen to the Vet. Hoping for a happy outcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted March 26, 2013 Author Share Posted March 26, 2013 It's odd really, I just want to do what's best for my chuck, the question is, will I know? I'd hate to give up on her too soon and just have her PTS, but by the same token I don't want her to suffer unnecessarily if that will be the outcome anyway ... all very scary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 You'll know. And if you don't, keep asking questions of the Vet till you do. In these situations I believe in Gut instinct too. Sometimes you know when you have to make the "final" decision. As soon as you hear what the vet has to say it will become clearer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted March 26, 2013 Author Share Posted March 26, 2013 Well, i'm just back from the vet - he was absolutely brilliant and very understanding. He spent a long time checking her over and said that we could pump my chuck full of ABs etc which may or may not have any effect, if they did, he said he doubted it would be a long term fix and he recommended that she be put to sleep. I have to say, I wasn't surprised, I stayed with her whilst he did the deed and I was amazed at how quietly and peacefully she just drifted off. He said he keeps chickens as pets and loves them just as much as other pets so he understood my dilemma, but said he felt she was clearly very unwell and it would be kindest to let her go. I do feel upset, but does it sound wrong to say I also feel a little bit relieved (for chuck as well as me?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 Sorry to hear your news, but you've done the kindest thing by taking prompt action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 Sorry for the outcome - but understand the "feeling a bit relieved". I suspect we will have a similar outcome tomorrow.... Love my chooks - but can be fragile and sure this dreadful long wet winter we are having can't be helping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted March 27, 2013 Author Share Posted March 27, 2013 Thank you Egluntyne and C&T - I thought about her a lot last night and am not in any doubt that the decision was the right one for her (my only regret now is that I didn't take her sooner - I wanted to give her some TLC at home on Monday in the hope that she would pick up, but with hindsight I should have taken her to the vet on Monday ) Oh well, we live and learn, I guess. Good luck today C&T, let us know how it goes, will be thinking of you x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
