Hi all - new to this but wondering if others have experiences they can share that might help. particularly interested in rehab
We had a very poorly hen - Poppy. She had neurological issues when she came to us - having had a brain bleed apparently as a chick (something dropped on her head). Other than finding it hard to walk up a ramp if it's too steep and occasionally walking round in circles if you freak her out she's coped and in fact is probably the leader.
Back in Feb/March I'd be unwell with a bad back for a few weeks so hadn't been doing my usual picking them up and examining - husband and kids had been doing the feeding and cleaning etc. First trip back out to hens I noticed she was a bit lethargic and was alarmed at how under weight she was when I picked her up. So I don't know how long the problem had been brewing. Started her on some Emeraid omnivore and probiotics but next morning another hen looked a bit poorly. Between me ringing the vet and going to box them the second hen died. Both were taken to vet - post mortem revealed nothing too sinister but signs of a bacterial infection. So Poppy had antibiotics. Went up enough to go back into the flock but then we had a cold snap and she went back down. She ended up having three lots of antibiotics and metacam.
When the weather turned cold and she crashed I had moved her to my office and she's still there! About ten days in she suddenly lost coordination and the ability to stand. Thought she was on the way out. Metacam seemed to settled everything down and she's come through this and is now quite stable on feet. However she appears to have further/worse neurological issues - she find it hard to find her food - pecking the air etc. sometimes, sleeping a lot but very bright and alert when you talk to her. I don't know if the emaciation came first (as a result of the worsening of the neurological issues) or she's been unwell and been left with worse issues because she's been so unwell.
my questions; has anyone had anything similar or a death door hen recover fully ? how long did it take ?
What do I do if this is the best she is going to be? She def isn't strong enough to go back to the flock (yet) and I appreciate they may not accept her (though she's been in a sep area within their outside space on warm days to get and them used to each other again and they've not been too bothered by her).
She's putting on weight and i thin her ability to locate food and drink is improving but I might just be wishful thinking!
Any thoughts? whilst I love having a work buddy I dont think its the best life for her long term to be stuck in my office most days.
thank you!
We had a very poorly hen - Poppy. She had neurological issues when she came to us - having had a brain bleed apparently as a chick (something dropped on her head). Other than finding it hard to walk up a ramp if it's too steep and occasionally walking round in circles if you freak her out she's coped and in fact is probably the leader.
Back in Feb/March I'd be unwell with a bad back for a few weeks so hadn't been doing my usual picking them up and examining - husband and kids had been doing the feeding and cleaning etc. First trip back out to hens I noticed she was a bit lethargic and was alarmed at how under weight she was when I picked her up. So I don't know how long the problem had been brewing. Started her on some Emeraid omnivore and probiotics but next morning another hen looked a bit poorly. Between me ringing the vet and going to box them the second hen died. Both were taken to vet - post mortem revealed nothing too sinister but signs of a bacterial infection. So Poppy had antibiotics. Went up enough to go back into the flock but then we had a cold snap and she went back down. She ended up having three lots of antibiotics and metacam.
When the weather turned cold and she crashed I had moved her to my office and she's still there! About ten days in she suddenly lost coordination and the ability to stand. Thought she was on the way out. Metacam seemed to settled everything down and she's come through this and is now quite stable on feet. However she appears to have further/worse neurological issues - she find it hard to find her food - pecking the air etc. sometimes, sleeping a lot but very bright and alert when you talk to her. I don't know if the emaciation came first (as a result of the worsening of the neurological issues) or she's been unwell and been left with worse issues because she's been so unwell.
my questions; has anyone had anything similar or a death door hen recover fully ? how long did it take ?
What do I do if this is the best she is going to be? She def isn't strong enough to go back to the flock (yet) and I appreciate they may not accept her (though she's been in a sep area within their outside space on warm days to get and them used to each other again and they've not been too bothered by her).
She's putting on weight and i thin her ability to locate food and drink is improving but I might just be wishful thinking!
Any thoughts? whilst I love having a work buddy I dont think its the best life for her long term to be stuck in my office most days.
thank you!
