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[Millie-Annie]

I need some advice about what to do.

 

Marigold was off colour about 4 weeks ago, losing weight, tail down, dirty bottom and diarrhoea and not interested in food except treats. I took her to the vets, he diagnosed enteritis type infection and she had antibiotic injections. She picked up slowly and although never back to her old self was definitely brighter.

 

Yesterday she looked miserable again and when I checked her back end, she is all dirty again and her droppings are creamy coloured and runny again. She has gone down hill much faster this time. Today she looks all hunched up, she has eaten her treats mealworms, porridge and sunflower seeds, but there is no Marigold joy anymore.

 

Do I take her back to the vets, who has already told me at 3 she is an old lady and as a hybrid chicken at the end of her days. Or do I accept she is not getting any better and have her put to sleep before she suffers?

 

She has been a great girl, and she doesn't deserve to suffer

[Olly]

I'm sorry to hear this. Only you can decide, but I'd say that although hybrids can live longer, three years old is quite a good 'innings' for a hybrid hen. From what you say, she's been under the weather for four weeks, albeit she perked up after the vet treatment.

 

Do you think further treatment is going to restore the happy hen she used to be?

[Millie-Annie]

No I don't I suppose I just want to be reassured that I haven't thrown in the towel too soon. She isn't hot, swollen and water logged underneath like with peritonitis, but she is still a very poorly girl.

[Egghead68]

If you wanted to you could send off a droppings sample to Retford Poultry Partnership. They can analyse it in a few days and tell you which, if any, treatments are suitable for the precise problem. Cost is around £30.

[Millie-Annie]

I have just had a look at their website, what exactly am I asking for her to tested for?

[Egghead68]

I just send some droppings in a plastic bag and a covering letter describing the clinical signs (e,g, off food, sneezing, whatever). They test for what they think is appropriate. I have found I usually get a very accurate diagnosis and treatment plan (with e.g. the specific antibiotics the pathogens are sensitive to) but obviously not everything shows up in the faeces. Libby the practice manager is helpful if you want to give them a ring.