[compostqueen]

I'm really relieved to hear she saw a vet and I hope she makes a full recovery.  She's still hanging in there so that might be a good sign   

[Kathie]

After having several losses recently my heart goes out to you.  Good Luck

[TeaPots]

how is she today? Chookies LOVE mealworms and they are packed with protein, and chopped yolk of a boiled egg.  I hope she makes it, she is trying so hard to stay with you, but please dont let her suffer just cos you dont want the vet to put her to sleep,y you can take her back and just ask the vet to give her more pain relief if you feel she needs it.

My fingers are crossed for her.

[heatherhsp]

Update on Bella.

Amazingly Bella is standing upright and seems much more lively today.  She's eating very little, but some, but only appears to be able to eat or drink when I hold her head at the moment. She seems very calm, but sudenly seem to have these spasms. 
She can't walk forwards at all yet (maybe by tomorrow?). 

What do you think?  Thanks everybody for your concern.  Let's see what tomorrow brings....

[bantam novice]

Oh good luck and keep us posted 

[TeaPots]

update??  tempt her with some mealworms, they adore them, and it will give her some protein.  yum

[heatherhsp]

Bella has been very calm today.  She's holding her head up quite well,though crooked.
She still needs help to eat or drink,and can only walk backwards.  Saying that she seems to be able to get herself back into her tempory bed. 

As for mealworms, I'll go and get some tomorrow.  (We are a long way from anywhere, so I hope I'm successful- or else I'll order online) 

[heatherhsp]

Got the mealworms, but Bella wasn't too interested. 
She is happier though... and walking forwards a little, though it is a bit surgey.  She's also managed to take herself into the hen house twice. Jumping through the pop hole took a couple of attempts, but she got there! 

Also our other hen Broody,attacked Bella for some reason - perhaps she didn't recognise her?  I
shooed her away,but a bit later she came again,and Bella went for her!  A little scrap followed,but since, Broody has walked right next to her and peace is in order again.  Bella was the more dominant one previously, so perhaps having been apart for a few days the pecking order was being re-established? Hope they'll be okay. 

In any case,Bella has much more energy now, even if she's all crooked...

[NormandyMary]

Go Bella. What a little fighter she is. So glad she is on the mend. Its truly amazing how strong they can be isnt it?

[heatherhsp]

Bella is walking forwards today!!  Still not eating well though...  But she looks miles better and is with our other hen, mouching about in the sun!   

[NormandyMary]

Oh that is brilliant news. Keep us posted wont you? Ill look every day for an update.

Mary.

[heatherhsp]

Update!  Bella is doing really well, and is feeding herself at last!!!   
She still looks a bit crooked and holds her head at a funny angle - but less so I think.  I'm so happy, and really didn't think she's ever be able to feed properly again. 
She's also very clearly in charge and bossing our other hen again!

The only problem for her is that she can't make it up onto her bar at night to roost.  She's sleeping in a box with straw.  I know she'd rather be up as she is trying every evening.  Should I put her on?  Any suggestions folks?   

I'm so, so happy that we didn't have her put to sleep.  And more importantly, she seems to be very happy again!      

[joyfull]

is there anyway you can build a ramp for her or steps so she can get up and down? Often the top hen has the highest roosting place and she may feel she will lose this position. If there is a ramp/steps all the way along the perch she won't injure herself getting down - either that of see if you can make the perch really low for all them.

[heatherhsp]

There is a ramp already, but it's at one side - perhaps if it was widened and a little edge put on it?   Her vision seems to have suffered, or her eye/ foot/ beak co-ordination. 

Will make an amendment today and see what happens.  Cheers for that Joyful...

[joyfull]

fingers crossed