Question about those hens who felt super sorry for themselves and seemed like they might not make it—but did. Did they make it with or without assistance?
After the vet tube fed Sunny Kaytee Exact, she seemed much improved. I don’t have the equipment or skill to tube feed her myself, but I...
Thanks! She wouldn’t eat egg last time I offered it, but it’s been a week, so I’ll try that again. I haven’t tried tuna yet and will.
She’s been inside for about 3 weeks. When all this started, I had her outside in the run, enclosed in her own pen area because she was indeed getting...
Also—the description of molting hens feeling sorry for themselves is so very apt. 😂 I’m pretty sure if they could complain to the management, they would.
Thanks to everyone who replied to my post! I really appreciate the guidance. I’ve learned so much from this group since starting my chicken journey. :)
Update:
Sunny had some very normal-looking poop last night. She appears to be feeling perky and has been pecking around her hospital crate...
Will do, and thank you! Makes sense about the feathers. I thought same—that it seemed unlikely for a declining/dying bird to continue to grow all those feathers back. Glad to hear you say that.
I agree with you and actually plan to switch. :) It’s 16%. Now that all but one of my 6 have stopped laying for the molt/winter season, I figured I would try switching to something with more protein (continuing to offer free choice oyster shell). What do you feed or recommend?
This is very helpful advice! Thank you! I’ll try the eggs again, but she was refusing those. Do you think the watermelon is harmful? Or just not rich in nutrients? It’s the one thing she seems really into eating, and I think it helped perk her up—maybe because of all the hydration?
Yes! I’ll try the raw yolk and meat. Does it matter what kind of meat? Pic posted. That’s her today, looking like she’s feeling better. She’s now actually nearing the end of her molt. (Or maybe she’s done? Not sure if the official end is when all the feathers are grown back in or when they quit...
She and my other girls were eating Scratch and Peck organic pellets (the ones made with black soldier fly larvae). She also got a little scratch (Nature’s Best) but not daily, a few dried black soldier fly larvae most days, and sometimes fruit/veg. The flock mainly eats their feed. When she lost...
Hi, fellow keepers. I’m sad and confused, and I hope some experienced folks will offer an opinion about my situation.
Bird:
2.5-year-old Ameraucana
Origin and environment:
Purchased from Chickens for Backyards, arrived via mail a couple of days after hatch, vaccinated for Marek’s. Closed...