Is my pekin bantam male or female?

[mullethunter]

Duck the pekin is just over one and has a week ago come out of her first broody spell which lasted about a week. She’s a ‘special’ chicken having hatched with a curled foot which I had to tape flat, and I suspect she might be generally physically twisted / not straight as one of her wings is often at a slightly odd angle so it’s possible nothing in her little body is straight.

As soon as she stopped being broody she seemed not quite right - just not as lively as usual. Then the last few days she’s been becoming less interested in food - will still eat some treats (sunflower hearts, egg etc) but not really corn and I don’t think she’s eating pellets. She seems fairly ‘happy’ just a bit less energetic and ‘chatty’ than normal and her poos are very small today (more so than yesterday when they were still relatively normal) but she is quite wheezy and seems to feel the need to wipe her beak after almost every beak full as if trying to clear it. She’s been a bit wheezy for a long time.

I know ‘take her to the vet’ is probably a standard response but I think this is so non-specific that the only co structure thing they’d be likely to do is give her antibiotics if she has a temperature.

Anyone have any ideas?

[Beantree]

Small poos and wheezy say an infection blocking her digestive tract, so the standard 'antibiotics' prescription is the best route I think. Coupled with the reduced energy and less chatty and it's vet straight away. Well done for being so observant.

[mullethunter]

Ok. I actually have some Tylan soluble so I may just start her on that in the morning as she’s still drinking properly 

[The Dogmother]

Good idea to get her started on that, can you get some NutriDrops into her too?

A really good poultry vet might be able to work out what's ailing her, but I think that your initial description leads me to think that she's a 'failure to thrive' case. I would just treat what you can see, as it presents and keep her comfortable. You are keeping an eye on her, so you'll see if she doesn't eat.

I think it's just a case of keeping her relatively comfy until the inevitable happens....... I'm sorry.

[mullethunter]

I did get some nutri drops into her this evening - thanks.

Having been hand reared she’s just the friendliest little soul ever - the most ‘pet-like’ of chickens ive ever had. Isn’t it always the way!? I fear you’re right DM 😥

[The Dogmother]

I know, we are always more close to the ones we have to nurse.

[mullethunter]

14 hours ago, The Dogmother said:

I know, we are always more close to the ones we have to nurse.

That’s a very profound statement!

I did take her to the vets in the end. She said she’s got a bit of a temperature and a slight wheeze so has given me anti-inflammatories and antibiotics to inject for 5 days. We’ll see how we go...

[SeramaSilly]

Aw, please let us know how Duck gets on? xx

[mullethunter]

I’d say she’s a little brighter today Thankyou. She’s eaten quite a lot of mealworms, a few sunflower hearts and some mixed corn. Not enough but more than yesterday. I’m not counting any chickens yet but I am crossing my fingers.

[SeramaSilly]

Aw, that sounds more promising! :-)

 

[The Dogmother]

Great news - just make sure that she gets plenty of probiotics to support her gut function

[mullethunter]

2 hours ago, The Dogmother said:

Great news - just make sure that she gets plenty of probiotics to support her gut function

Will do and I know there’s a good chance this will be the first difficulty of many with Duck. Would you recommend Beryls or something different?

[The Dogmother]

I'f you've got Beryl's, then use that anyway, but you might have Vit Boost tonic; that has pre-and pro-biotics in it. I sometimes give ours some grains form the kefir we ferment.

[mullethunter]

I’ve got Lifeguard tonic. Will that do the same?

[The Dogmother]

Yes, it has similar ingredients.

 got to laugh, just checked their website.... I did some freelance work for them about 10 years ago - product development and trialing, and they've STILL got me on their website and doing a product review for the tonic  

[mullethunter]

😂 brilliant - obviously unsurpassable!

[The Dogmother]

21 hours ago, mullethunter said:

😂 brilliant - obviously unsurpassable!

*snorts*

[soapdragon]

And a very good article it is too, M'dear! Lovely pic!

[The Dogmother]

I hasten to add that that was a long time ago, and 'one' has aged since then!

[mullethunter]

Oh I’m sure that’s not true!

Duck has just had dose 5 of 6 antibiotic / anti-inflammatory injections and seems to be back to normal. Obviously I’m very glad but find it annoying that I will never know whether that’s due to the antibiotics or just getting better naturally.