[duckling]

Hi Chicken People -Please can you give your advice.

We have a pooly chook, she has been very low on energy since the start of the weekend, and now she is not eating or drinking at all.  She just stands or sits in one place with her eyes closed, dropping her head quite low sometimes.  Her poo is clear and watery, but her bottom is clean, nothing on the feathers.  The others are not picking on her and she just sits alone all day.

She is about 2 yrs old, we took delivery of her in January just gone as she is an ex battery hen or the warren (I think ) Variety.

I'm worried.

Hubby says if no change by this evening he will put her to sleep.

Photos attached to help.


Thank you people.

[Vember]

Bless her

When did she last lay duckling?
What does her crop feel like?
Have you tried her with treats to see if that will encourage her to eat? Mealworms and cat food are my favs for doing that

Will she drink if you pop her beak actually in the water?

Sarah

[duckling]

Hi
Not sure when she laid - as they all lay in the same nesting box and I can never work out who laid which egg.

Going home for lunch now and will feel her crop and try her with some treats.

Will get back to you.

Thanks for posting the pics for me. Much appreciated.

Duckling

[duckling]

Very sad news, Chooky died.  I found her in the nesting box at lunch time, all suggled up.  she was still warm, but definately dead.

She is my first fatality in hen keeping - I'm feeling very sad. 

Bit frustrating because Hubby keeps saying he should have got his way and put her to sleep!

We have said all alone the hens are not pets and that when their time comes - it comes!  Its hard not to get attached to them though.  I just keep thinking at least she had 6 months of a good life in a big run with 5 other girls, where she could peck at what she likes, feel the sun, wind and rain and breath fresh air.

Thanks for your help.

[joyfull]

Thats the way to keep thinking, she got to know the good life with you.
Sending you hugs xx

[Sue33]

oh poor thing, she looked a beauty!  I've only been keeping chooks for a few months but you're right, you do get so attached to them 

[Vember]

Oh Duckling I'm so sorry

Sending a hug x


Sarah

[heatherhsp]

Poor you Duckling.

I'm really new to this all, but from what you say she wasn't distressed, and just slipped away.  I'm sure she had a good life with you.   It is very sad...

Heather 

[barneyowl]

   So sorry Duckling.  It can be really upsetting... but hold the thought that you gave her the best 6 months of her life