[rosie14]

Hi all not been on for a while all going well apart from our poorly G.L. Orpington. She came down 'unwell' and off her food just 4 days ago. I am certain as I often watch them eat first thing as they get lots of veg bits and apples just now from the garden and any slugs I find en-route! She was bright and lively, then boom she didn't come out next morning and I kept an eye on her. She came out later in the day and seemed fine again. The next day was a big difference and I got her out of her nest box and took her to the water and feeders, she drank but didn't eat not even a slug the next day was worse and so on and today she would stand just but was so week and was clearly not right. I masde the decision to call and end to it which was very sad indeed as she was not yet a year old and had sat patiently on the fertile eggs and then fostered the 3 day old chicks.

We have one left who is 9 weeks and we put her in with out other lone chicken (our Welsummer) which all worked out great. The baby Orpie was very independant from her mum but they were definitely still very bonded which makes me sad. They share the same nest box at night (mine aren't shut up at night) will she be ok at her age without the warmth of her mummy at night? I'm going to pop out in a bit and see if she and the Welsummer are buddied up in one nest box together...I really hope so. Thanks any thoughts welcome

[Lindeggs]

Sorry to hear about your Orpie, Rosie.  What a dedicated mum she was!

Yes your 9 week old will be fine without her mum, especially as she has another friend to snuggle up to at night.  Mother hens usually start to get a bit sick of their kids at that age and kick them out of the nest anyway, so this is a fine age to go out on her own.

Best of luck to you and the chick.

[rosie14]

  thank you so much Lindeggs. I have just returned from a 'torch check' and you were spot on she was snuggled up with our Welsummer. They both must be wondering where Mama Orpie has gone