- May 29, 2019
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Penny for your thoughts?
My 17 m/o EE is recovering from a few rough days: first, a thin-shelled egg broke inside her that she struggled to expel (but did after a few epsom salt soaks and calcium supplements), then her crop backed up, which led to an all-day stay at the local vet's office. She was x-rayed, and it was determined that she likely has a budding case of egg yolk peritonitis, for which she is on antibiotics. Her exam didn't turn up any swelling or palpable signs of peritonitis, however her x-ray showed a small "vague" spot, that--after circulating amongst a circle of avian vets who are colleagues--could indicate infection.
She's now been in a "hospital coop" in our basement for two days, during which time her crop issues are slowly improving, her poops have become solid and healthy looking (though small), and her energy levels are up (red comb/wattles, scratching around, preening). However, she seems very bored and depressed, and by extension, disinterested in food unless I'm there actively encouraging her/hanging out. She is one of our most social birds and I know she is sad to be separate from her flock. In fact, when I opened her carrier upon return from the vet, she immediately beelined for her sisters' coop before I could grab her to take her inside.
So, since she is not sick with anything transmissible, could it possibly be better for her mental/physical health to be outdoors with her sisters? The air quality is way better, and the sunshine is nice (though there is ample shade in our run). I asked the vet, and he agreed, aside from being watchful of bullying, that it could be good for her to be out there in a "monkey see, monkey do" sort of way, as for exercise and overall social benefit. My plan is to have her out for a good chunk of the day--taking her out in the late morning and putting her in early evening/late afternoon based on how she's doing. That way I can still monitor some of her intake and pooping.
Am I making a big mistake? Her case has been so touch-and-go that I often feel any decision could be the wrong one and lead her down a path of no return. I'm so anxious to do right by her--she is my most bonded hen!
My 17 m/o EE is recovering from a few rough days: first, a thin-shelled egg broke inside her that she struggled to expel (but did after a few epsom salt soaks and calcium supplements), then her crop backed up, which led to an all-day stay at the local vet's office. She was x-rayed, and it was determined that she likely has a budding case of egg yolk peritonitis, for which she is on antibiotics. Her exam didn't turn up any swelling or palpable signs of peritonitis, however her x-ray showed a small "vague" spot, that--after circulating amongst a circle of avian vets who are colleagues--could indicate infection.
She's now been in a "hospital coop" in our basement for two days, during which time her crop issues are slowly improving, her poops have become solid and healthy looking (though small), and her energy levels are up (red comb/wattles, scratching around, preening). However, she seems very bored and depressed, and by extension, disinterested in food unless I'm there actively encouraging her/hanging out. She is one of our most social birds and I know she is sad to be separate from her flock. In fact, when I opened her carrier upon return from the vet, she immediately beelined for her sisters' coop before I could grab her to take her inside.
So, since she is not sick with anything transmissible, could it possibly be better for her mental/physical health to be outdoors with her sisters? The air quality is way better, and the sunshine is nice (though there is ample shade in our run). I asked the vet, and he agreed, aside from being watchful of bullying, that it could be good for her to be out there in a "monkey see, monkey do" sort of way, as for exercise and overall social benefit. My plan is to have her out for a good chunk of the day--taking her out in the late morning and putting her in early evening/late afternoon based on how she's doing. That way I can still monitor some of her intake and pooping.
Am I making a big mistake? Her case has been so touch-and-go that I often feel any decision could be the wrong one and lead her down a path of no return. I'm so anxious to do right by her--she is my most bonded hen!
