DebbyTutton Posted October 12, 2017 Share Posted October 12, 2017 I have a very sad girl, her name is Bluey and she is 10 years old, she has been in retirement in the past year so doesn't lay eggs. I have noticed over the past two weeks that her poop is runny and soaks into the Arboise a lot. About the same time she started losing bottom feathers. As she has had mite problems in the past I gave her a thorough examination but found nothing untoward (except pink skin and a bald patch). At first I didn't notice any change in her temperment but recently she has started hanging her head a little and now she has started losing feathers from around her neck. Again more checks but no obvious problem. It seems to me that she may be being picked on by my other, much younger (6 months) girls although I have seen no evidence of this. When I first got the little ones she was queen of the pack and strutted her stuff and got top pickings for the food. But not any more. This is so painful. Most of the feathers are outside the cube although there are a few small ones being removed at night. I think I am losing my old lady and the others are picking on the weakest of the flock. What do you think ? Should I put her out of her misery ? I don't want her to die at the hands of the others. If she is going to go should I make it peaceful ? Please help ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted October 12, 2017 Share Posted October 12, 2017 Oh dear Debby it does sound as though she is going downhill. Can you keep her on her own to see if she perks up. Having had my lot turn on my weak chicken and peck her to death I know you would hate that for your OAP. Have you a nearby vet who could check her over for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DebbyTutton Posted October 12, 2017 Author Share Posted October 12, 2017 Thanks Grandmashazzie, I will do that and see how she gets on. I've been a mess all day, I'll keep you informed ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 12, 2017 Share Posted October 12, 2017 I think your instincts are right; are you able to divide their run so that she can still see the others, but they aren't able to bother her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DebbyTutton Posted October 12, 2017 Author Share Posted October 12, 2017 Hi Dogmother, I don't know why I didn't think of it without being prompted. Seems obvious now. Perhaps panic made me forget logic ? Thanks guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 12, 2017 Share Posted October 12, 2017 Haha, it does that - don't worry. See how she goes - at least she has the chance of a gentle decline with her friends near her, but be prepared to despatch her if you think that she's suffering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DebbyTutton Posted October 12, 2017 Author Share Posted October 12, 2017 Yes, I have already prepared for that. We have a local farmer with chickens who will come and do the deed if necessary. I will not see her suffer. (big swallow, deep breath). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted October 14, 2017 Share Posted October 14, 2017 Any news? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DebbyTutton Posted October 14, 2017 Author Share Posted October 14, 2017 Well, Yes and No, I separated her 2 days ago by putting a temporary fence inside the chicken run with our reserve hen house (a compost bin). She still has lots of space as do the others, they can see each other, make faces and do little dances back and forth. Bluey is better in that she is not losing any more feathers but she is definitely a sad old bird. I am feeding her a grain & corn mix as there is no need for her to have layers and I thought it might put some meat on her bones as she is getting frail. I have noticed that she poops as much as the other 5 put together. Each morning I remove poops from the trays and the last two mornings has been a marked decrease in poops. Especially runny ones. Now I have my sensible head on I think I can honestly say that I doubt she'll last till Christmas (sniff sniff). I haven't taken her to the vet as I really think that this is down to old age, there is no physical injuries or oddities about her. I feel her body is just shutting down and to take her to the vet would only stress her more. We had a little cuddle at lunch time and I gave her some tinned sweet corn (her fave) which she took eagerly. If she lasts a couple of weeks I'll put Pepper in with her (quiet, gentle little bird) and then introduce them together to the other four. Hopefully this will give the superior ranks a bit of a shake up. Keep your fingers crossed for her. I think time will tell on this one but I'll keep this post updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DebbyTutton Posted October 16, 2017 Author Share Posted October 16, 2017 Update, It seems that she has been pulling her own feathers out. She is barely eating too. I have given her the most comfortable environment I can but I think she is simply old and senile. A very sad time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 The only reason (except for senility) that I can think of for a chicken to pull its own feathers is when they have lice; I am guessing that you've already checked fro this option. Perhaps it's time to do the kindest thing and let her go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DebbyTutton Posted October 16, 2017 Author Share Posted October 16, 2017 No lice, mites, fleas, ticks nothing, in fact, that creeps, crawls, visits or slithers. When you say let her go, do you think ... I should call on the abilities of my neighbour ... Or let her go in her own time? I know she wont get better, it will only get worse, looks like i have answered my own question I will visit marie tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millie-Annie Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 This is so sad, but 10 is an amazing age. You have obviously given her a fantastic life and you should be proud of yourself. I hope she slips away on her own Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DebbyTutton Posted October 16, 2017 Author Share Posted October 16, 2017 Me too, in her sleep tonight would be good. Shes been a lovely bird, not cuddly but strong and somewhat cranky. Full of character. She was always the boss. Always kept her girls in place. Like some kind of school mistress, complete with beak shaped cane. I will miss her ... A lot Thanks for helping me thru this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
