[Flump]

I have one ex batt left as the others have died over the last year.Freda is lovely.Unfortunately she has not been right for a while which is why I didn't get her a companion and since yesterday she doesn't seem able to focus properly and pecks for food but misses.It's her depth perception that seems altered.I know I will have to have her put to sleep tomorrow if she doesn't improve,but has anyone else seen this before?know what's going on?

[bantam novice]

Can't help with advice, I'm afraid, but just wanted  to wish you and Freda luck.

[Flump]

thank you

[kegs]

How is she today??

[grumpydad]

whatever you do, dont give up.
we lost 5 out of our first 6 pure breeds to mareks that came with them from the breeder, cost a fortune at the vets and defra, then lost the next 3 pure breeds to the same.
now on hybrids, and they are fantastic, real characters, no fear, always looking for ways into the house.
it really can get better, we had maybe the worst start to chicken keeping that anyone can have, but it can get better, honest

[Flump]

she's no better today.Tomorrow is the day I think,it's not fair to keep her going as she can't focus to eat.
Thanks Grumpydad.It has put me off a bit as I love chickens and it's so sad when they go.I know ex-batts don't live long but you can't help feeling you've done something wrong.

[joyfull]

you will have done nothing wrong and remember the life you have given them - the chances they have had to behave like normal chickens:-
seeing the sky,
feeling the rain and wind,
being able to move around and scratch the ground,
being able to sunbathe and dust bathe,
able to stretch or sit on an egg without it rolling away,
the treats, the greens,
being held and cuddled
but most of all
they have been loved xx

[NormandyMary]

As you are aware, Im chookless at the moment and I miss having them so much. I actually had a dream last night that my missing chooks suddenly re-appeared one by one, so that I ended up with 6! It was such a vivid dream, I woke up believing that my girls had escaped the fox and had been hiding out in the wild until it was safe to return. Then realisation dawned on me and I was not happy. We have decided to buy a new henhouse (a 6x4 shed) so when we do get our new girls and boy, they will be living in the luxury they deserve. I cant count the days down yet as OH is still poorly, the heat isnt helping his poorly lungs. I know that I will get them one day, so Ill just have to be patient. I want the eggs too. I hate having to buy them!!

[henamoured]

Roll on THE DAY NMary! 
It will all be worth the wait when you get to choose some lovely new chooks. Hope your other half feels better soon.

[joyfull]

when the times right and you do get your new girls Mary I can see them being the happiest most spoilt lucky hens in France  .
Hope your other halfs health improves soon xx

[Flump]

whatever you do, dont give up.
we lost 5 out of our first 6 pure breeds to mareks that came with them from the breeder, cost a fortune at the vets and defra, then lost the next 3 pure breeds to the same.
now on hybrids, and they are fantastic, real characters, no fear, always looking for ways into the house.
it really can get better, we had maybe the worst start to chicken keeping that anyone can have, but it can get better, honest

Do you think it might be Mareks?and how was it diagnosed?

[Flump]

you will have done nothing wrong and remember the life you have given them - the chances they have had to behave like normal chickens:-
seeing the sky,
feeling the rain and wind,
being able to move around and scratch the ground,
being able to sunbathe and dust bathe,
able to stretch or sit on an egg without it rolling away,
the treats, the greens,
being held and cuddled
but most of all
they have been loved xx

Thanks  Joyfull.Having lost all of them over the last year,I decided to have a post mortem done on Freda and the initial results show that she was full of tumours : (

[grumpydad]

mareks was diagnosed at a poultry vets, and through the defra lab at shrewsbury

[Flump]

post mortem showed it was Mareks,at least I know there was nothing I could have done

[bantam novice]

So sorry to hear about Freda.      At least you know you did all you could.