I’m upset this morning because Bridgey is OBVIOUSLY unwell and I didn’t clue in until last night right before bed, even though I am super attentive to my birds. She is 2 1/2 and has always been one of my most robust hens. And, of course, she’s my favorite and was my special little first chick.
Bridge has been molting for at least a week and seemed to be tolerating it fine. But yesterday she did not touch a tunafish treat, which is highly unusual for her. This morning she is weak and stumbly, and I think her comb might be darkening. I’m afraid it’s the dreaded molt-stress-bringing-out-illness syndrome. I thought I saw her try to poop and nothing came out. Not totally sure. I had to run to work, though, and couldn’t properly examine & evaluate her.
She put herself back in the coop before I left.
There was one yucky poop, but I don’t know whose it is. Have been having trouble with wet poops in general.
Confession, I did throw a few pearl barley a few nights ago to see if it helped firm up Ruby’s poops. I was unaware chickens don’t digest them so well. Hopefully this did not cause a problem for Bridgette. Everyone else seems fine.
Here is a photo of Bridge after she returned to the coop and of the unidentified poop.
Thoughts of any kind are appreciated. I need help (at least moral support) from my friends &”big guns”. I think you all know these are my pets and I would like to treat at home. I may take the afternoon off to try to save my girl. Hoping beyond hope it’s delayed reaction to molt, but don’t think so.
@Wyorp Rock @casportpony
@rebrascora @azygous @Kathy Golla @staceyj @Hen Pen Jem
Bridge has been molting for at least a week and seemed to be tolerating it fine. But yesterday she did not touch a tunafish treat, which is highly unusual for her. This morning she is weak and stumbly, and I think her comb might be darkening. I’m afraid it’s the dreaded molt-stress-bringing-out-illness syndrome. I thought I saw her try to poop and nothing came out. Not totally sure. I had to run to work, though, and couldn’t properly examine & evaluate her.
She put herself back in the coop before I left.
There was one yucky poop, but I don’t know whose it is. Have been having trouble with wet poops in general.
Confession, I did throw a few pearl barley a few nights ago to see if it helped firm up Ruby’s poops. I was unaware chickens don’t digest them so well. Hopefully this did not cause a problem for Bridgette. Everyone else seems fine.
Here is a photo of Bridge after she returned to the coop and of the unidentified poop.
Thoughts of any kind are appreciated. I need help (at least moral support) from my friends &”big guns”. I think you all know these are my pets and I would like to treat at home. I may take the afternoon off to try to save my girl. Hoping beyond hope it’s delayed reaction to molt, but don’t think so.
@Wyorp Rock @casportpony
@rebrascora @azygous @Kathy Golla @staceyj @Hen Pen Jem