Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[featherhead007]

Oh goodness. I didn’t realize you thought she might not make it through the night. I have had more than one go weak during molt. g

So have I

 

[featherhead007]

Nope, I wouldn’t call it “fun” either. However, I have seen birds perk up pretty quickly after I have tubed them. In fact, today I tubed Lucky twice with fluid to help her better tolerate me tapping 60cc of fluid from her coelom. It’s not for everyone, but it has helped a few of my birds get through a rough patch until their appetite returned and they would eat and drink enough on their own. For me personally, I’ll do whatever I can to help my chickens through a health crisis until I think it’s terminal and then I need to let them go.

That’s bravery

 

[micstrachan]

She was wormed in June when I got a positive fecal test (float test is just saying how they check the poop for worm eggs,).
Not sure if others know - but wouldn't it be odd to be so infested to get weak in such a short time?
But weak she certainly is.
I don't know if I did the right thing, but this evening she desperately wanted to join Bernie on the roost but she just wasn't strong enough to jump up on the tree stump. I don't know why she didn't use the ladder which would have involved much less jumping.
Anyway, it finally got dark and she was forced to hunker down on the step. I went in and offered her an elevator ride up which she happily took.
I have put lots of bedding both sides of the roost so if she falls off I don't think she will do herself any harm. She looks nice and comfy there for now at least.
I wish I knew why she was so weak. I could worm her just in case or I could persuade a vet to do a test for me which will likely take a couple of days to get results.
Any advice anyone?

If you don’t want to tube, can you offer private feedings of baby bird formula in a bowl? I’m pretty sure this saved Little Mill the night she fell from the rest from the roost from weakness during molt.

I also learned a trick from Wyorp Rock on the emergency forums. If you pour buttermilk over dampened crumble, it gives them a little boost. Maybe see if she’ll eat that?

 

[featherhead007]

How many feathers does a chicken have?
I’m thinking Coco is covering my face with quite a few at the moment!

 

[micstrachan]

You could think about setting up the brooder plate as a nice warm wall for her to snuggle next to, wherever she is. Or if it's got low enough settings, a foundation to sleep on. If she's old- and cold-feeling she may want the warmth she would get if she could get up on the roost.

Love this idea. And remember you can slip a low watt pet warmer right under her where she is on the roost. I did this and ran it off a battery inverter. I attached it with bungees and covered it with one of those thick dish drying pads.

 

[micstrachan]

@RoyalChick I really think @ChicoryBlue is onto something. Is she already near a heat source? If not, is there anything warm you can bring out to her? I was taught that in emergency support, you go in order:

1. Warmth
2. Hydration
3. Nourishment

I understand not wanting to disturb her, but I wonder if there’s something warm you could put beside her.

 

[Ponypoor]

View attachment 3378746Don’t let the photo fool you, Peep is not taller then one foot, and his voice is higher pitched then a squeak toy.


Though, i think he has a bit to much confidence. He’s trying to mate the biggest chicken in the flock.

I was holding her in my lap and he jumped up and pulled out three butt feathers.

He is a beauty Love those wattles

 

[RoyalChick]

@RoyalChick I really think @ChicoryBlue is onto something. Is she already near a heat source? If not, is there anything warm you can bring out to her? I was taught that in emergency support, you go in order:

1. Warmth
2. Hydration
3. Nourishment

I understand not wanting to disturb her, but I wonder if there’s something warm you could put beside her.

Well right now she has the heat plate in front of her and Bernadette to the side of her. And it is 45 degrees.
So I am thinking OK on warmth right now.

 

[ValarieF]

If you don’t want to tube, can you offer private feedings of baby bird formula in a bowl? I’m pretty sure this saved Little Mill the night she fell from the rest from the roost from weakness during molt.

I also learned a trick from Wyorp Rock on the emergency forums. If you pour buttermilk over dampened crumble, it gives them a little boost. Maybe see if she’ll eat that?

 

[micstrachan]

Well right now she has the heat plate in front of her and Bernadette to the side of her. And it is 45 degrees.
So I am thinking OK on warmth right now.

Agree. Glad to hear.