16-mo old BO hen internal layer? update: Paris necropsy pics (graphic)

[Pampered Hen]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you both! It might not help you much, but Paris' condition and the diary of your struggle to help her through this has given many others a huge push in the learning curve of how to care for our sick chickens. You are by far are doing more than many people would. You really are a trooper and hats off to you!

 

[LilBizzy]

How's Paris doing?

 

[OrpingtonManor]

Hi LilBizzy. Paris is still hanging in there. She picked at a corn cob for hours last night, and it seemed to improve her overall state of being. There were a couple of small normal poops overnight. She is drinking on her own, much to my surprise. Just when I think she is getting better, she gets worse, and just when I think she is getting worse, she gets better. Who knows? Like I said before, it is part of her evil plan to be a house chicken for the winter.

 

[OrpingtonManor]

I quick update on Paris. She is doing much better. She continues to eat, drink, and poop normally. Her crop never really feels full, though. This concerns me. Maybe I am making something out of nothing. She is free-ranging during the day, but back in the house at night. One of the others won't let her in the coop at all, though, so integrating her back into the flock will take some time. I want to keep an eye on her until she starts gaining weight. I also hope for a return to laying, but I realize that might never happen. She will get the best care I can give whichever way it turns out.

Thanks to everyone who has offered continued encouragement. It has meant a lot!

 

[speckledhen]

Just checking on Paris this morning. Sometimes, it's a long road to recovery, especially when you really aren't sure what was wrong. My Ivy, who has come close to death twice with the same reproductive infection, seems to be hanging in there and actually, I believe she has gained a few ounces back! She isn't laying again yet and may never, but that is the next hurdle to cross. My Buff Orp, same condition, has finished her molt and is gaining weight, too. Her color has improved mightily. Knowing when to treat and what to treat with when you have these "invisible" conditions is really a crapshoot. Still hoping for the best for Paris.

 

[OrpingtonManor]

Paris is still a house chicken, but she is getting outside for an hour or two each day. Just now, I heard a chicken sounding an alarm, and rushed out to the coop to see what was the matter.

All 3 girls were sleeping. Hmm.

Then, I thought it was a wild turkey in the front yard, so rushed out to see. Nope, no turkey.

Then, I realized it was coming from the front bedroom, and peeked in from the driveway. Paris had jumped out of her hospital cage, and was standing on the top, neck stretched out, standing tall, clucking and squawking her heart out! It's the most noise she's made in a month! Here's a pic of her standing on the top of the cage.

 

[Lora C]

Looking Good!

Glad to see it

 

[LilBizzy]

That is too cute. I think you are right- it's an evil plot to be a house chicken! She was welcoming you home.

She is looking good. Makes the heart happy, doesn't it?

 

[ranchhand]

I still think she's yelling because she wants roommates!

 

[theFox]

Oh boy, does she ever have your number.