Chick backing up after drinking.

[GreenHaven]

So sorry. I had a wry necked hen that didn’t respond to treatment. She had a strong will to live and made it almost to two years but was always chased away and picked on. I don’t know if I did the right thing. Ultimately a hawk took her partly because she was more afraid of her own flock. Not sure I would ever handle it this way again.

 

[Clucktown]

Sad update.

Willow was euthanized yesterday. She had a 6 week break from her condition, but it hadn't responded to vitamin treatment over the last 8 weeks.

Her brooder-mates were very tolerant of her up until point-of-lay. Willow became a target for birds looking to increase their standing, and what would normally be a pecking order dispute, turned into full-on bullying and chasing. They clearly did not want her in the flock.

We attempted to partition her next to the flock for safety, but Willow became so distressed over 3 days that she barely ate or drank. Her backing up became almost constant. She spent the days pacing the partition wall (even with the other birds right next to it) and nights crying until lights out. I did not believe she could handle a rehoming in this state, and a new flock would be unlikely to accept such a weak bird. In addition, I can't really say how uncomfortable these backing up episodes are for her. But to be so stressed that you're unable to eat, drink, move forward, evade bullies, etc...

She was dealt such an unfair hand. I'm absolutely gutted. So please let this be a caution to anyone that has a chick like Willow. Her friends may accept her while they're young, but that will almost certainly change after 12+ weeks. Be prepared for the worst if you cannot get your bird healed.

I love you, Willow. And I'm so, so sorry.

Willow was beautiful. I am so very sorry.

 

[RoyalChick]

Sad update.

Willow was euthanized yesterday. She had a 6 week break from her condition, but it hadn't responded to vitamin treatment over the last 8 weeks.

Her brooder-mates were very tolerant of her up until point-of-lay. Willow became a target for birds looking to increase their standing, and what would normally be a pecking order dispute, turned into full-on bullying and chasing. They clearly did not want her in the flock.

We attempted to partition her next to the flock for safety, but Willow became so distressed over 3 days that she barely ate or drank. Her backing up became almost constant. She spent the days pacing the partition wall (even with the other birds right next to it) and nights crying until lights out. I did not believe she could handle a rehoming in this state, and a new flock would be unlikely to accept such a weak bird. In addition, I can't really say how uncomfortable these backing up episodes are for her. But to be so stressed that you're unable to eat, drink, move forward, evade bullies, etc...

She was dealt such an unfair hand. I'm absolutely gutted. So please let this be a caution to anyone that has a chick like Willow. Her friends may accept her while they're young, but that will almost certainly change after 12+ weeks. Be prepared for the worst if you cannot get your bird healed.

I love you, Willow. And I'm so, so sorry.

Oh so sorry. Somehow I missed this very sad update.
She was a beauty and you did everything you could.
Fly high Willow (preferably forward if you can).