Richard Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 Am I a softie (rhetorical question – please don’t answer all at once)? The lady I bought my Orpingtons from rang me up to say that she was giving up breeding Orps in order to concentrate on her Bantams (don’t ask me why; I suppose they eat and poo less, being small). She said she had three cockerels and one hen left, a sort of sister to my girls (but blue rather than splashed) that she didn’t want. Would I like to take any of them off her hands, free of charge, as she wasn’t going to sell them. Well, OH won’t let me have a cockerel, so I said I could take the hen. Ah, there’s a catch – she didn’t hatch properly (had to be helped out of the egg) and had splayed legs as a chick. The lady said she was fine now although she walked with a bit of an odd gait, and there were no other health problems. She said that the cockerels would be Xmas dinner – but I still said I couldn’t have any! OK, so I went to see her; I know – there was no chance I wasn’t going to take her from the moment I got into the car to drive there. The hen is lovely, and obviously I came home with her. But she is actually quite disabled. She gets around OK and can even scuttle/run quite well. But she does walk badly and is a bit close to the ground (well so am I, at only 5’6’’, but this is a bit different). I’ve put her in with the other girls and she is obviously going to be at the bottom of the pecking order, but hasn’t been beaten up too badly yet although most of the others, even the wimpy Buff Sussex, have had goes at her. I’m worried about her getting in and out of the Cube. I put her in, in the dark, last night, and this morning she didn’t come out, so I carried her out. I’ll obviously have to see if she manages to get in tonight. The Disability Discrimination Act says that I must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to accommodate her disability; has anybody had any experience of hens that are unable to get up the ladder due to deficiencies, either physical or intellectual? I will post a photo of her later – she is really lovely although she does walk badly which is sad – but I suppose that’s life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lost-sheep Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 i cant answer the poll question i really dont know what i think is right... good on you for giving her a good home tho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 You're not alone in being a softie Richard... me too Splayed legs isn't usually a result of bad hatching or being helped out of the shell. It's caused in the first few days if they are kept on a slippery surface rather than an old towel or non-slip matting. One of the chicks I hatched last summer had them after it kept wandering off the non-slip mat I'd put in the rablu. I hobbled it's legs with some thread for a couple of days and it was fine after that. You might need to make her a ramp with rungs to get into and out of the cube Richard.. it's not the ideal home for a disabled chicken, but then I'd have done the same as you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted August 31, 2007 Author Share Posted August 31, 2007 You're not alone in being a softie Richard... me too You might need to make her a ramp with rungs to get into and out of the cube Richard.. it's not the ideal home for a disabled chicken, but then I'd have done the same as you. Thanks; I'll see how she manages this evening and take it from there. I could easily put a ramp on the ladder - I'd rather do that than make her a separate coop as I can't see how I can work that (one of the other chickens might bags it first!). I can feel a plywood construction session tomorrow coming on - if I do I'll let you know how it works! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helen&Lee Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 ooooh, I don't think I would have been able to resist either. It did take my chooks (seemingly normal) three days to get the hang of getting into the cube - 10 days in they are old pros I suspect you may have to make some modifications and see if she can then get in herself Helen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 *ahem* In best work voice: "It is my opinion that, were this hen to be assessed by an Employment Tribunal, then she would be deemed to have a disability. It is a legal requirement to make reasonable adjustments to accomodate her disability; but the responsibilty of the employer to determine whether or not those adjustments are reasonably practicable taking into account the needs of the business." "Reasonable adjustments for this hen could involve: 1. Provision of facilities to enable her to access sleeping and laying quarters by alternative means ie stannah stairlift; hoist; leg up; bowl of straw in a box at ground level. 2. Time off work to attend physiotherapy sessions 3. Provision of a level walkway so that she does not miss out in the stampede for work incentives" *takes work hat off* Well done for taking her on Richard, she sounds lovely. I'm sure you'll sort her out somehow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pearsons Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 One of my three baby chicks is very ill this morning. I have brought it into the house but don't think it will survive. That was the one I put back into the nest when it fell out after hatching. My DH was almost in tears this morning when he saw it and said I should have brought it in last night instead of leaving it with Mama..... Well I did what I thought was right and I've done all I can now it is up to the chick and nature. If it does survive we will have to hand rear it which is a big commitment and I don't think it will ever be strong and healthy..... Helen in Hume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 That sounds a good idea, she may just follow the others up there once she realises what the ladder is for. Perhaps you could try tempting her up with some corn... Give her a hug from me I'm one for collecting waifs and strays too they see us coming Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foreveryoung Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 You're not alone in being a softie Richard... me too You might need to make her a ramp with rungs to get into and out of the cube Richard.. it's not the ideal home for a disabled chicken, but then I'd have done the same as you. Thanks; I'll see how she manages this evening and take it from there. I could easily put a ramp on the ladder - I'd rather do that than make her a separate coop as I can't see how I can work that (one of the other chickens might bags it first!). I can feel a plywood construction session tomorrow coming on - if I do I'll let you know how it works! Hi if you were closer I would have given you one that I have already made up for you to try as I dont actually need it but Im in kent so Thats out but I also wanted to add good luck xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted August 31, 2007 Author Share Posted August 31, 2007 *ahem* In best work voice:"It is my opinion that, were this hen to be assessed by an Employment Tribunal, then she would be deemed to have a disability. It is a legal requirement to make reasonable adjustments to accomodate her disability; but the responsibilty of the employer to determine whether or not those adjustments are reasonably practicable taking into account the needs of the business." "Reasonable adjustments for this hen could involve: 1. Provision of facilities to enable her to access sleeping and laying quarters by alternative means ie stannah stairlift; hoist; leg up; bowl of straw in a box at ground level. 2. Time off work to attend physiotherapy sessions 3. Provision of a level walkway so that she does not miss out in the stampede for work incentives" *takes work hat off* Well done for taking her on Richard, she sounds lovely. I'm sure you'll sort her out somehow! Brilliant. Now, as an employer, where do I find a provider for the chicken physio sessions; they are not provided by the NHS (Norfolk Hen Society) and the private provision is pretty fowl round here. And, as a small business, can I get funding ........ ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted August 31, 2007 Author Share Posted August 31, 2007 One of my three baby chicks is very ill this morning. I have brought it into the house but don't think it will survive. That was the one I put back into the nest when it fell out after hatching. My DH was almost in tears this morning when he saw it and said I should have brought it in last night instead of leaving it with Mama..... Well I did what I thought was right and I've done all I can now it is up to the chick and nature. If it does survive we will have to hand rear it which is a big commitment and I don't think it will ever be strong and healthy..... Helen in Hume. Awww; I hope it is OK but it is a difficult decision to make as to whether to help them, knowing they will be a challenge and have problems for the rest of their life. Its very hard to make when you are looking at the chicken - and it is looking at you .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 A very hard decision again, I'd help it as much as I could, but be prepared to cull it if necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 Awww stannah stairlifts for chooks! As regards the hydrotherapy pool, a human foot spa would make a great chicken hydro pool! Heat & Bubbles! On a serious note tho, my Audrey who is coming up to approx 18 months, struggles with the cube ladder, she can do it, but dithers and flaps like there is no tomorrow! I think as she gets older, I will have to build a ramp too. I have cast my vote on your poll. I was very torn on what to vote - but eventually I had to say no, we should leave hatching to nature. Congrats on your new addition. I too would have taken the orpington home, i hope someone comes to rescure the cockerel. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 I've had 2 chicks with splayed legs that have came straight out the incy onto non-slip rubber matting. Both of them I've 'hobbled' with narrow band-aids for about 4 days and they were fine. Sadly at 6 weeks one of them stopped walking as the hip had come out again so I had her put to sleep. Wendy, my Legbar (who laid her 1st egg today) has badly curled toes on one foot but she gets around fine with a slightly limping gait and flaps her way up the cube ladder. Richard, do your Orps get up the ladder ok - my Sandy can barely hop up a low step, she's so big and clumsy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pearsons Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 The tiny third chick didn't make it. Poor wee thing. Helen in Hume Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 The tiny third chick didn't make it. Poor wee thing. Helen in Hume So sorry to hear that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lost-sheep Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 The tiny third chick didn't make it. Poor wee thing. Helen in Hume oh no ... i love chicks... you can buy day old ones from the national dmestic fowl trust... i cant have any for fear of the adults eating them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted August 31, 2007 Author Share Posted August 31, 2007 Richard, do your Orps get up the ladder ok - my Sandy can barely hop up a low step, she's so big and clumsy? they get up OK at the moment - they are only 16 weeks so are not that heavy - and they part fly to help themselves! I'm about to post some pictures of my hastily made ramp! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted August 31, 2007 Author Share Posted August 31, 2007 Thanks for all your replies. Arrietty (my disabled Orpington) has been OK today; some bullying according to OH (I've been working in London today) and a fair bit of pecking this evening. However she is still looking reasonably fine. Anyway, I arrived home at just gone 6pm so decided that, after my tea, I would make a ramp/ladder to make it easier for her to get into the cube. Pictures below. It didn't really help - because she sort of flew up the side of the contraption! However Liz and Daisy walked up really daintily - the others sort of hopped/flew in various combinations. I've put some photos of Arrietty and the ramp - I hope it's allowed to post up several photos in this way. LADDER/RAMP (cable tied to the cube ladder) GOING UP - ARRIETTY IS STILL AT THE BOTTOM ARRIETTY JUST SORT OF HOPPED/FLEW ARRIETTY ON THE CONSERVATORY FLOOR SHE ISN'T THAT BAD WHEN SHE STANDS UP A BIT - BUT THIS IS THE BEST SHE CAN DO She really is a love and I'm hoping that she doesn't get too badly bullied - we'll see over the next three days or so, and I'm hoping it will calm down by the end of the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted August 31, 2007 Author Share Posted August 31, 2007 I forgot to say, her balence isn't very good and she does fall off the steps - and tend to trip over things. I wonder if there is actually some neurological damage rather than just physical as I originally thought. She doesn't place her feet well, and doesn't seem very aware of where they are. Otherwise she is absolutely fine. She is not at all happy on the roosting bars in the cube and shuffles about as though she can't cope with not having a solid floor. Ah well - all part of the joys, and really very interesting, if sad at times! As they say, I can't see her making old bones - but it would be nice if she could have a bit of a life in the interim! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy-Mama Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 She looks lovely, has kind looking eyes (if that's not too strange a thing to say about a chicken) Well done for taking her on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted August 31, 2007 Author Share Posted August 31, 2007 The tiny third chick didn't make it. Poor wee thing. Helen in Hume Awww, that's sad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 Excellent 'reasonable adjustments' Richard! 50 Brownie points! She looks a lovely girl, glad she's coping OK so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy-Mama Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 Just read more of the thread so sorry the chick didn't make it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 She's really pretty though Richard. Well done for making the ramp, Omlet had one on their eglu in field by the office when I went earlier in the 'summer' - perhaps they're re-thinking the ladder I'd be interested to see Arrietty in action (such as it is), I like interesting cases and I'd love to get to the bottom of her disability. You'll be taking in stray cats next Richard... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
