Cocci: RIP little Puff

[Squishypuff]

So, I was expecting a dead chickie this morning... She's alive and perky enough to squeal at me when I lift her. Her butt was all pasted up with poop, so I cleaned her up then gave her a feeding of slightly thicker glop, along with some medicated water. She's back in her crate and napping again. In a few hours I have to feed her once more, we have to be away for a good portion of today, which stresses me out some. My son (who is 7 and severely autistic) is going to his first ever week of summer camp today! He will be there for a week doing normal kid things, with his own room, counselor, and therapists. He's going to have the time of his life, and we're going to get a little breather. The camp is 90 minutes away, each way, so we'll be driving a lot today. I'm hoping she will be ok in that time. I'm going to put water out, but I don't think she will drink it on her own.

 

[un-named]

good for chickie to still be here! Good for your son, hope he has the time of his life!
If I lived there i would gladly babysit chickie for you!
Any chance she could ride with and sit on your lap if someone else is driving? Might be a bit stressful, but at least you could get water down her and stroke her while you held her..... then carry her with while you get your son settled?

 

[Squishypuff]

I think it will be too hot to bring her. We've been in the 90's, and checking into a camp for kids with autism is a long, long process. I'm hoping she will drink some water on her own at least a bit while we are gone.

The other chicks who came with her are still looking and acting great, no blood or loose poo. Very normal. Thank God for that!

 

[mljohnson05]

Best of luck for your whole family !
I would gladly help watch your little chickie if I was closer

I am glad your son gets to have a fun filled weekend, and you will be able to have a small break too

Keep us posted

God Bless,
Laura

 

[stargirl]

Oh that's great news!
Glad to hear about your son's summer camp. It explains why you're such a great & patient carer for this hen - I work with autistic children here in the UK & I know how challenging (& rewarding!) they can be. It's definitely essential that you go, so try not to worry or feel guilty for leaving the little one. I'm sure she'll just use the time to sleep & build her strength ready for her next feed when you return x

 

[momdogz]

Rooting for you and your beautiful little one - hope all is well!

 

[Squishypuff]

Well, she did ok while we were gone. We left home at 1:00, dropped the kiddo at camp and settled him in, then came home at 7:30. She is still lethargic, but who can blame her after all she has gone through! I'm about to give her another feed, looks like she at least tried to drink water, her front was wet. She had an enormous, SOLID, NOT RUNNY poop- yay! I sheared off all her butt feathers yesterday because of the poop matting up, and it sure has helped. Little Puff sure has the will to live. Every time I think she's done for, she keeps holding on. I really, really want her to push through this. Tomorrow will be day 3 of the Sulmet, which says to use a half dose. Should I finish that then stop, or would it be wiser to follow the Sulmet treatment with a course of Corid?

Everyone else looks great. No runny poo, no ruffled feathers, eating and running around like crazy. They all have a day left on the Sulmet too, and then I think they ought to be just fine. I think I got VERY lucky that only one got really sick. Thank God. This whole ordeal is making me wonder about miracles. Twice now, this chick has appeared dead or dying. The first time, she was dead cold, I could barely feel a heartbeat or breathing. I'm not hugely religious, but it sure seems like the big man upstairs has a soft spot for little white Silkie babies.

 

[mljohnson05]

I find that Sulmet is A LOT harder on their little systems than Corid is.....IMO I have only used one OR the other, and since they got the stronger one, I would give them a break.....But that is only my Two cents

 

[dawg53]

Continue with the sulmet treatment to its conclusion. Then give her probiotics and protein... a mash of buttermilk and scrambled egg for 3 days.

 

[mljohnson05]

i love using scrambled eggs and buttermilk...think it was posted earlier....either way...Great stuff for them