Chicken bald back

[gavclojak]

SO....my bestest girl, who has always been the life and soul...last to bed, first one up isn't quite right. She has had a few bouts of egg peritonitis, this was treated with srynging off the tummy and antibiotics, when she was well enough, she had the hormone implant fitted, that was two weeks ago.

 

Running total at the vets £175.00

 

For the last week or so she has not been right, going to bed before the other girls and coming out last, she is doing a lot of sitting but to be honest they all have....BUT she just isn't right.....her tail is down and she doesn't look happy. I can't feel any fluid around her tummy .

 

She is eating, etc digging for worms and got very excited when I moved a few logs yesterday.....what to do?? Do I give her a little longer to see if she rallies? I want to give her every chance possible but an scared she is in pain...HELP

[Olly]

I'm sorry to hear she's still not right. It sounds as if you've done everything you could for her.

 

From your signature I take it she's an ex-batt, and you've had her for a year which means she is probably around 2.5 years old which is a good age for a hybrid, especially one that began her life in a commercial chicken farm. If she's had peritonitis once it's likely to return as you already know. I can't tell you if she's in pain, but if she's not acting like your other hens e.g running for treats, moving around, digging and scratching then there's something not right. Only you can decide, but sometimes the best decision for the hen is the hardest one for you.

[gavclojak]

Thanks Olly, your spot on she is an ex commercial lady, the problem I have is she does indeed run over for treats, she just devoured some tuna (don't tell DEFRA) which is why I am finding it so hard.

 

I realise she is getting on but as she fought the EP so valiantly I wanted to give her every chance. I hoped she would have another six months.

 

I will keep a very close eye on her over the next few days and as soon as it becomes obvious she isn't going to recover will have to make that horrible decision.

[Grandmashazzie]

Sad to read your post Gavclojak.You have done everything possible for your little hen and my advice would be you will know when the time is right.At the moment she is eating well and in my experience ( limited ) when my ones have been on the slippery slope they don't eat and want to stay in coop.I think I remember reading in other posts that when they had the implant,the chicken just wasn't the same little personality,perhaps that is the case with your little one.

[gavclojak]

She has just eaten a small tin if Sheba cat food....a whole tin...and saw off the top ranking girls....then a few mealworms as dessert....again don't tell DEFRA....

 

She is now preening...and I'm sure her tail is a little higher..a good sign????

 

Come on princess layer

[Leicester_H]

She has just eaten a small tin if Sheba cat food....a whole tin...and saw off the top ranking girls....then a few mealworms as dessert....again don't tell DEFRA....

She is now preening...and I'm sure her tail is a little higher..a good sign????

Come on princess layer

 

We have 'recently' lost 4 of our 6 ex-bats (5 made it past a year with us). When you've had any hen for a while you do know what is normal and what isn't. Fingers crossed for you.

 

I am pleased she's showing signs of improvement. I know EXACTLY how you feel - my 2 remaining ex-bats have had a few off days over the past few weeks but (fingers crossed) seem fine today.

 

H

[jimnpaula]

My Crystal has peritonitis too. Vet has said she's a poor candidate for surgery, we've tried antibiotics to little effect. But she's still eating so I'm willing to let her carry on shuffling about with the others. Once she stops eating we'll reconsider.

[mullethunter]

I'm willing her to be ok

[Claireabella]

I've always been told on here that I would know when the time is right to let them go and I always have. It doesn't sound like princess layer is at that stage yet as she is still eating and coming for treats etc but you know your girl better than anyone. I hope she starts feeling more like her usual self soon x

[gavclojak]

Ah thank you, I have booked a vets appointment for 3-45 this afternoon. If she doesn't have any fluid built up I hope a course of antibiotics might do the trick....if she does have fluid I will be guided by what the vet says....

[redsunset]

Hello, am scared to ask as no follow up re Princess Layer? Did she make it or was it the 'horrible decision? Hope all went ok, and if not hugs. ....

[gavclojak]

Oh thanks redsunset....there was no follow up as I was worried I was boring everyone to death with my rambling about the lovely layer....well the news from the vet is she has a small area of infection and is back on antibiotics, she has lost weight but she isn't skinny and is still eating treats although I don't think she is eating pellets....I am giving her whatever she will eat at the moment, not sure if that's the right thing to do.

She was digging for worms this evening and I was so happy to see that, I am keeping a close eye and appreciate your concern.

She is a tough little cookie, bless her so I'm not ready to throw the towell in yet

[Grandmashazzie]

Oh good news,I too was watching for news.You aren't boring everyone,we are with you each step.Then when we don't hear we are afraid to ask...

[redsunset]

Fab news! Hope she continues to recover well....

[gavclojak]

Thank you so much....she is as we speak having a FR session and digging for worms.....must be a good sign....

[redsunset]

A chook that is busy stuffing her face with all manner of said treats is never that poorly in my book! Clever madam is now milking the situation nicely.......and they say chooks don't have brains???

[gavclojak]

I think your 100% spot on redsunset....she isn't interested in her pellets but can run like us usain bolt for a mealworm...and when I moved a log that was in the run, she was the first on in there, digging and consuming the largest worms and bugs she could get her sneaky beak on.....I love that tenacious girl.....she isn't going without a fight...and I am not letting her go yet..

[mullethunter]

This is really good to hear - sounds like she's enjoying herself

[Purplemaniacs]

That is good news.

 

Enjoy all your treats Princess Layer.

 

Chrissie

[Bramble]

It sounds to me like Princess Layer is still getting very good quality from life and in my book, that's what counts? I am sure letting her eat whatever she likes is they way forward (I mean, who'd waste time eating pellets when there are worms to consume!!!! )

 

Enjoy yourself little Princess (and make sure you milk it for all it's worth!!!! )