2nd hen dead in 3 days to heat prostration...

[Mahonri]

Quote:
We tried to get her to drink and we couldn't... we tried to force it and we couldn't. I knew it was going to be hot today, but they've lived through hotter before... they just weren't laying last year.

 

[annek]

Wish someone who knew more could chime in and maybe say how to get it down her, I am afraid without it she doesn't have a chance. Poor little thing. I have noticed that my RIR's are much hotter than my leghorns. They are so uncomfortable in this dang heat and humidity, I am trying everything I can to keep them cool. I will see if I can find anything on getting fluids in her. I know with puppies that were dehydrated we injected fluid under their skin to keep them alive.

 

[65browneyes]

Mahonri......unfortunately, I have nothing to offer in the efforts to save this hen with exception of positive thoughts.

However, might I suggest frozen 2 liter bottles or milk jugs placed in the hen house to help cool them during the heat of the day. I also save empty Gatorade/Powerade (quart of smaller) bottles to freeze and keep in the chicken waterers.

I've done this for the entire 4 years I've kept chickens here in the Verde Valley (106* at noon here today) and haven't -- knock wood -- lost one to heat yet.

When the heat sneaks up on me and I don't manage to get the bottles frozen in time, I've been known to buy blocks of ice and put them in the coop in recycle bedside tubs from hospital visits, etc. I've caught the chickens standing on the blocks many times "cooling their heals".

Good luck to you!

 

[annek]

All I can find about forcing electrolytes is to use a syringe. I am not sure how to do it though. I would think you would hold her upright and go in from the side of her beak and try to dribble a few drops at a time so as not to choke her. If this is wrong, someone please let me know.....

 

[Mahonri]

Her breathing is very shallow now.

It's only a matter of time. I just wish I would have noticed her sooner.

 

[WriterofWords]

I just saw this thread, I feel just awful for you! I had a young roo I got electolytes down by putting a piece of air line tubing from my old fish tank on the end of a syringe and and putting it just a little ways down the little guy's throat. Just far enough back for it to go down and not be able to come out of his mouth.

 

[redhen]

CAn you get any honey in her mouth.(just put a dab on her tounge).sometimes that revives them enough to be able to drink. Good luck!

 

[Mahonri]

At 10:30, she took a deep breath, relaxed completely, pooped and some liquid left her mouth.

It was just too late once we got her in the house.

Thanks for all of you kind words and positive thoughts and advise.

Maybe next year I'll get another RIR.

I'm going to have to really watch the rest of them these next two months.

 

[redhen]

So sorry mahonri.

 

[Autumn Mama]

So sorry for your loss. There may not have been anything else you could have done. She had you all watching over her and being with her as she passed. If only they could tell us what they needed when they were suffering.

I hope your boy will be okay. I know how my boys love and cherish our flock.