Completely heartbroken...

[akatrielle]

Our littlest chick Delilah has been sick for several days now, and doesn't seem to be getting better.

(She's quarantined and on oral antibiotics, and her sisters are all on Duramycin, but none of them are showing serious symptoms yet).

The vet says she's in critical condition (possibly pneumonia) and wants to do $400 worth of procedures on her little 13-day-old body to try to save her...which we honestly can't afford, and can't fathom doing for a two week old baby chick. So now I feel like I'm watching her die, and just trying to make her comfortable while we wait. I haven't completely given up hope - the vet says it can take up to 48 hours for the antibiotics to kick in. In the meantime, I'm pushing fluids and trying to keep her fed and warm.

This is so hard. I didn't know I could love something this much in such a short time. Sorry - I guess I just needed to share...

 

[raroo]

Aw that is so sad. I'm sorry.

 

[rachiegirl]

I'm sorry. It is easy to get attached quickly.
Here's to hoping!

 

[Brindlebtch]

I am so sorry.

 

[I'M On Island Time]

I'm sorry and would be doing the same thing in your position.

Isn't it amazing how much one can love a chicken? Just thinking about my 'kids' gives me a smile. However, I think losing chickens just seems to be part of chicken ownership.

Good luck, God bless.

 

[Sillystunt]

OMG 400 bucks! Jerk~ Just let it be, things happen for a reason. Surround it with love in it's last moments. That's all you can do.
Many of us here would do the same~

 

[cassie]

It may help if you remember that not all babies, of whatever species, are meant to make it. Some just do not have whatever it takes to grow up and be healthy.

 

[akatrielle]

Thank you all so much. I've lost girls before, mostly to predators...it's always hard. My friends think I'm an idiot for crying over a stupid chicken - I'll remind them that next time their rat/chinchilla/cat/dog/fish/hampster is sick.

(I won't, really...no one should be chastised or berated for loving their animals)

Delilah is hanging on, but is still *really* sick. She's eating, and will drink out of a syringe if I hold it to her mouth. I'm just trying to keep her comfortable, but am wondering if I'm delaying the inevitable.

I'm trying to train the other birds that duramycin water is OK to drink. So far the peck-it-out-of-a-syringe game is working, at least - hopefully it'll get them used to the change in taste.

Thanks again for the sympathy and well-wishes. It's amazing how quickly these little balls of fluff have become part of the family.

 

[vnploveschickens]

 

[kathyinmo]

What are her symptoms? Do you know for sure what the diagnosis is?

Sending well wishes your way.
Kathy