Hi Prod. That's a sad tale and quite timely because I have seriously been considering getting one of those. I have found that the wild birds (which we are lucky enough to have many of, although at dawn I sometimes wonder!) prefer the chicken feed to the wild bird food I put out. Last year I didn't even bother with much of it as the chicken feed it so much cheaper, but they did go through it like no body's business! Is it really bad to let them share? Realistically, how likely are they to pass something on to my hens? Also would a rat weigh enough to be able to open the lid?
On the matter of poor Hettie. Her swelling has gone down but half of the wattle is jet black. I presumed this was a bruise but I'm actually worrying now that it is more serious and that it is actually so badly damaged it will fall off. Where it is black it is quite hard. This is the section nearest her head. The end bit is still red. Her whole head is really quite hot and I think there is a little bit of puss in the tear duct area or do hens get 'sleep' in their eyes? I've never noticed this before. I suppose if things are swollen fluids wouldn't be able to pass through the tear duct and that could be what I'm seeing. Last night her crop was completely empty despite the fact she was constantly seeming to feed. She obviously was just going through the motions but not actually managing to eat a thing. Currently she is indoors eating warm layers mash with mashed up pear and meal worm on the side. She does seem to be managing although it is slow going and she is obviously very hungry. Question is, does she need medical intervention or will nature sort it out?
