Derperella, the (weird) Faverolles, & Friends

[Nambroth]

In case you are wondering about the rest of the flock, they are doing fine. We didn't even get any frostbite yesterday, when it got to -30°F (with no windchill) overnight on Tuesday!

I'm afraid Derp is not in these photos... in the mornings, she is a busybody and won't hold still for no one, no way, no how! Zoom, zoom, back and forth to the feeding stations and checking on the nest boxes (why? Who knows. It's Derp.).

I did get a few photos with the others, though!!

Sweet Moa, the head hen, matronly and fat, looooves to be cuddled on cold mornings. She whispers into my ear as I hug her and pet her keel.


I have been growing wheatgrass for the chickens every day, since we have been carpeted in snow for months and they haven't been able to forage. They love it!! There was also a sunbeam coming in the door, so several of the girls felt very fluffy and warm.
Lorp is about to start sunbathing, and has her feathers all flared up and ready. Moa, just behind her, has already started to sink down to the ground, in a lovely sunbath! Willow, peeking in from the left, is more interested in the grass. And can you see Kua in the background? Chowing down, as always!! It's rare to see her without food in her beak...


I was worried that sweet Mildred (Baron's hatchmate and cousin) would be lonely without him in the coop. Well, I shouldn't have feared, because Willow LOVES Millie!! Every time Millie takes a break by herself, Willow comes running over and snuggles into Mildred's considerable fluff. Here, you can see Willow all but buried by Millie's volumes!
Mildred seems to enjoy the affection, even though she is still much younger than all of the other hens. Don't let Mildred's stern face fool you. She's a very gentle and slow hen, like many cochins are!

 

[artsyrobin]

Thanks for the updates! He has the face of a fighter for sure- so basically his balance is the issue?? I was wondering reading it if the injections did give him some resistance to fight?

Millie is gorgeous, i am partial to cochins as you know- but a well bred cochin is glorious to see!

That is funnyabout Derb zooming around, bless her little heart!

 

[Nambroth]

Thanks for the updates! He has the face of a fighter for sure- so basically his balance is the issue?? I was wondering reading it if the injections did give him some resistance to fight?

Millie is gorgeous, i am partial to cochins as you know- but a well bred cochin is glorious to see!

That is funnyabout Derb zooming around, bless her little heart!

He has no coordination, and can't seem to put weight on his legs for long. It takes one of us helping him to do it, and he lasts about 5-10 seconds, unless he tries to take a step, at which point he topples. It's almost like partial paralysis.

His antibiotics were oral (which gave us fits, as they must taste terrible, and he hated them!). But, it's hard to know!! I wish I could afford to get another blood panel run next week but we're running a bit "dry".

 

[drumstick diva]

Every time I see Fud Lady has posted - I hold my breath, worrying. Then thankfully BIG sigh of relief!! So good to see Baron, and the rest of the gang. Mildred has grown up beautifully - it looks like Willow is trying to burrow under her

 

[drumstick diva]

I think Derp is zipping around checking nest boxes to see if she hatched anymore invisible chicks.

 

[froggiesheins]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for Barons' update Nambroth Like drumstick I too am afraid to open your thread..... Baron has such a beautiful RED comb and looks so spry....we all are praying and praying for him.

Love the "chilly" pics, and if you look fast, Derp is in them zipping around!

 

[KayTee]

Hooray! A puddledate and a derpdate - Nambroth you are spoiling us!


It's good to see that the Baron is doing so much better than we all expected, even though he is still not able to stand or walk properly. And we all know that you will do everything you possibly can for him.
I have heard that medical care for people in the US is ridiculously expensive, but is it the same for veterinary care as well? A basic blood screening here in France costs anywhere from 25€ - 50€ ($35-$70), which I don't think is too expensive given the technology involved.

It's also nice to see the girls all doing ok, even though the Baron isn't around. Millie is looking really lovely. I'm not suprised that Derp won't have her photo taken in the morning - now that she's on the BYC front page she knows that she's a STAR, darling, a huge STAR and of course no star wants to be photographed first thing in the morning before she's preened herself to look good for her adoring public!

 

[Nambroth]

Hooray! A puddledate and a derpdate - Nambroth you are spoiling us!


It's good to see that the Baron is doing so much better than we all expected, even though he is still not able to stand or walk properly. And we all know that you will do everything you possibly can for him.
I have heard that medical care for people in the US is ridiculously expensive, but is it the same for veterinary care as well? A basic blood screening here in France costs anywhere from 25€ - 50€ ($35-$70), which I don't think is too expensive given the technology involved.

It's also nice to see the girls all doing ok, even though the Baron isn't around. Millie is looking really lovely. I'm not suprised that Derp won't have her photo taken in the morning - now that she's on the BYC front page she knows that she's a STAR, darling, a huge STAR and of course no star wants to be photographed first thing in the morning before she's preened herself to look good for her adoring public!

Thank you! The cost for a simple blood panel (as shown in my link in my last post) was $237, which includes the vet fee to see her. The additional testing that we had sent away was an additional $90. I don't think it's too expensive... especially given what it would cost to have the same blood tests run on a human (MUCH more expensive!!), but I make very little money so it can be hard to afford. It is about 1/2 of my average monthly income.

 

[KayTee]

Thank you! The cost for a simple blood panel (as shown in my link in my last post) was $237, which includes the vet fee to see her. The additional testing that we had sent away was an additional $90. I don't think it's too expensive... especially given what it would cost to have the same blood tests run on a human (MUCH more expensive!!), but I make very little money so it can be hard to afford. It is about 1/2 of my average monthly income.

What?!!

OMG that's ridiculous! No wonder people complain so much about the cost of healthcare!

I can barely bring myself to tell you, but the $35-$70 I was talking about (although it is for a very basic screening), is not for the vet - it's the average cost that I pay for my own blood tests - red and white cell counts, cholesterol, thyroid and sugar levels. I've never needed a blood test done by a vet, so I don't know how much that would cost, but I don't think that it would be anywhere near the price that you have to pay in the US. Being sick over there could bankrupt you.

Not only that, for you it's almost a full day out to go to your specialist avian vet, so I can understand how it's not something you can do every week. It must be so frustrating.

All my positive thoughts are headed to the Baron. You know that we are all rooting for him (and you, Nambroth).

 

[Nambroth]

What?!!

OMG that's ridiculous! No wonder people complain so much about the cost of healthcare!

I can barely bring myself to tell you, but the $35-$70 I was talking about (although it is for a very basic screening), is not for the vet - it's the average cost that I pay for my own blood tests - red and white cell counts, cholesterol, thyroid and sugar levels. I've never needed a blood test done by a vet, so I don't know how much that would cost, but I don't think that it would be anywhere near the price that you have to pay in the US. Being sick over there could bankrupt you.

Not only that, for you it's almost a full day out to go to your specialist avian vet, so I can understand how it's not something you can do every week. It must be so frustrating.

All my positive thoughts are headed to the Baron. You know that we are all rooting for him (and you, Nambroth).

Oh! I see. I would have to look at my medical records to see what a blood test on myself would cost. The last time I had one done, I was insured, so it only cost $25, but this year our insurance coverage has changed in such a way as to make it out of our financial grasp.... and we became uninsured for healthcare. So, if I need any medical care it will be totally out of pocket and I may not be able to do that. I understand what you mean. If something were to happen to me-- if I got very sick or had to go to a hospital, it would probably bankrupt me. That's a different rant for a different place, though!! I hope to keep somewhat on subject about chickens here.


All is well today. Mildred has started to lay eggs!