ADDITIONAL INFO: Ugh. My Margo. Again.

[azygous]

I fear Margo is dying. I wish I could provide a reason to hope, but she seems beyond help. A stuck egg, a crop disorder, even constipation would not make her this lifeless.

It breaks my heart to see her in this state, so I know you must be feeling even worse.

 

[micstrachan]

Yes, I’m pretty sure I’m losing her. Probably tonight. I’m so sad.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Can you give a chicken anything specifically for pain?

 

[micstrachan]

Yes. She’s had ibuprofen. I think she’s in her final hours or minutes.

 

[Kathy Golla]

Big hugs Michelle

 

[micstrachan]

Does this sound like botulism poisoning? If so, she could have eaten something in the yard and I would need to find it. My dog brought home some deer bones, but there was no flesh on them.

 

[Kathy Golla]

Girl, you know the drill. Gotta send her to Davis if she doesn’t recover. The hardest thing in the world, but it will give you some comfort in knowing. I vote oviduct infection, it eventually catches up to some of these hatchery chicks about this age.
You and I can go in search of hardier stock that will outlive us. She’s had THE BEST LIFE EVER. Remember that.

 

[micstrachan]

Girl, you know the drill. Gotta send her to Davis if she doesn’t recover. The hardest thing in the world, but it will give you some comfort in knowing. I vote oviduct infection, it eventually catches up to these hatchery chicks about this age.
You and I can go in search of hardier stock that will outlive us. She’s had THE BEST LIFE EVER. Remember that.

Thank you, Kathy. She’s stirring a little (barely) in her carrier. I’m hoping it means her bowels are moving, but I’m doubtful. My husband just let the dog in here. Can you see my eyes rolling? I’m not holding her, as she seems to breath heavier when I do. But I’m right beside her and reach in to pet her occasionally and I am talking to her some.

Can anyone tell me, if she passes tonight, will she definitely flap her wings or might she just stay asleep and take her last breath peacefully? I already told her she brought me a lot of happiness, is the prettiest and strongest, and made a great flock leader. I know that’s silly, but I suppose it’s really therapy for me and I think my voice might be soothing.

 

[Kathy Golla]

I lost one in Jan to an oviduct infection (very broad) and I will tell you the vet told me there was nothing that could be done.

 

[Kathy Golla]

It’s very terrible because some of them hold on for a long time. Mine died overnight in the hospital crate and we found her in the morning. It was very sad but she wasn’t suffering any more.
Margo is in a safe quiet place. Take comfort in that. I know it’s hard, but try to get a good nights sleep.
You have seriously done your best, and she has had an awesome life.
It is not easy, but please try to take some comfort in that. These things just happen, it’s a part of chicken life. I wish they were hardier.