Jump to content
Leicester_H

Not again - Titch is off colour

Recommended Posts

Hi

 

This morning I noticed a thin broken egg shell in the run. Titch spent all morning in the nest box (which is unusual).

She came out of her own free will - there was a crumpled(not normal) bit of egg shell in there.

 

When I let them out she wasn't as lively as usual and didn't eat dried meal worms (normally she'll 'kill' for them) - but she is a fussy eater.

 

She felt a bit warm. She seems to be drinking (quite a lot?) and did 2 very watery droppings (I've read they do this when they have a temperature).

These things always happen on a friday !! when my vet is closed for w/e (out of outs vet is not good with chickens).

I have some baytril left in the fridge (in date) so I plan to dose her with that - anyone think this isn't a good idea ?

 

I also have some metacam (pain killer) left - its not helping anyone in the fridge - should I also use this ?

 

Or have any suggestions ? She doesn't seem too bad (she's moving around with the others )but I know they go down hill quickly - and, fingers crossed, recover quickly.

 

Once again, a collective Omlet finger crossing is required - Thanks all, H

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Leicester. I'm no fan of Metacam since our cockerel had a heart attack after a course of treatment. I wouldn't give Baytril without evidence of infection either, or as an absolute last resort. Have you checked her vent to make sure there is no egg shell stuck there. It has to be removed very carefully mind as broken shell can cause internal injury.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi

This is so odd.

I have a hen that is just the same!

I was advised to give nutri-drops but I realised tonight that I have no idea how to get a hen to open her beak. I held her and dribbled it onto her beak and she did get some - I think!

 

She was quite calm and went to drink water and then back into the nest box where I have left her. It is a warm day and I did wonder if she doesn't like the heat - we live in the north where it is more usually cold!!!!!!

 

Can anyone help me with how to get a hen to open her beak when there is only me holding her and "Ooops, word censored!"ody else to administer the drops - please?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Flowerpot

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wrap her in a towel to stop the wing flapping Flowerpot and kneel down holding her between your legs. Put three fingers behind and round her head /neck and pry the beak open gently using your thumb and index finger. It is important you don't strain on the lower beak. Leave your index finger in the open beak and hold the top beak firmly with index and thumb. Tip the head back and make sure the drops are placed well down the throat, otherwise she will beneath them in through the airways under the tongue.

 

Not easy at all. I still struggle having done it hundreds of times.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you Beantree.

At the moment Rosie is doing much better.

I hope I never have to do this but I am sure it will be necessary one day!

When I hold her between my legs is her head facing forward away from my legs - ie her bottom towards my feet - or is she the other way round....sorry to be a bit thick!

I hate the thought that just because I am a coward and frightened of hurting one of my girls that I caused more problems.

This is good to know - thank you.

Flowerpot

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




×
×
  • Create New...