Hi everyone, I'm hoping that someone has some wise words out there that may hopefully prepare me for what's going to happen next with my poor Harry. I acquired Harry by accident back in April this year... he surprisingly turned out to be a Cockerel (I used to call him Hatty!) plus he really is a meat bird.
I've posted on here before and been given some fabulous advice on what to expect as he's a meat bird ie he wont last very long. But I just want to make sure I'm giving him the best shot as he's been such a star.
A couple of days ago I noticed his crop going quite purple - this isn't unusual as if my OH goes in to feed him in the ams Harry really does take humbridge and gets in a right old tizzie attacking his wellies etc... this always makes him a bit purple for awhile but then he goes back to a lovely red colour (Harry not the OH). However, this time it was first thing in the am, it was me opening the coop, he was purple already, he was a bit subdued plus he wasn't that bothered with his food (unheard of!). Today I went to let him out in the am and he was doing his normal crowing in the coop before i got there... I opened up the door and he was a very deep purple and wasn't interested in his food again. I did bring up a fresh corn on the cob for him which he did come out the coop to eat.
I've been at work today but my OH has been up to him and said he's just been sitting in his usual place under the tree most the day. When I went up to shut him up he was in his bed as usual and still looking a nasty deep purple. there's no discharge from his ears, mouth, nose, eyes... his breathing is a bit laboured but to be honest it always is as he's such a big bird. I did notice he hadn't poo'd very much in his coop last nite? His poo otherwise is looking normal. I last wormed him about a couple of months ago so thought i'd worm him again plus I've got some really good multi vitamin to go in his water..
Do you guys think I'm right in thinking this is his heart packing up and I should just be making him comfy?? If so any other suggestions on making him as comfy as poss...
Or
Do you think I should take him to the vet? Altho I am a bit worried the stress of that might be the last straw??
I'm so attached to the old fella and really dreading the day he goes but if I can prepare myself it wont be such a shock.