Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[micstrachan]

Thanks for reposting. I lost one earlier as well. I am very concerned but she will be getting help from a professional. You never know.

Draining and antibiotics might give her one last hurrah. Unless it’s cancer, but the vet will likely have a tough time determining that. Do keep us posted. I know you will. I dragged Ruby’s end out waaaay too long, but she was such a fighter. In the end, she went on her own. You know I opted to help Ester end it instead. I think I did my best in both cases, but you have the opportunity to learn from my flock experiences. Whatever the vet says, you will do what you think is best for Lilly. I am very confident in that.

 

[micstrachan]

It does feel like a bad overall design doesn't it? They should be able to fold those feathers out of the way when they go.

Yes, but some of mine do seem to tilt their little butts downward and spread their feathers. Little Mill was having trouble getting her vent under her with the sore leg. Lucky has a lazy back end and the turds just roll down her fluff, leaving a trail. I could analyze each of my girls, but I will spare you.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Preparing Myself for the Worst

It's likely not good news for Lilly. She is holding a lot of fluid, almost a full pound. Her abdomen is distended and frankly she smells very bad. I thought it was from the poo that had gathered on her when I cleaned her the other night but it is likely she has some kind of infectious process underway inside her.

Everything points to the same outcome as Daisy, the greatest hen ever.

The vet will see her at 4:00 pm tomorrow, 8:00 am Wednesday in Sydney. I am preparing myself for the worst. I will not draw this out for her just to have more time for myself.

I need to decide who she would like to have as a companion on her journey now that Sansa is gone. I'm thinking Hattie might be best but there is also Aurora.

It seemed right today to recreate one of Lilly's great stories. Here is "The Thanksgiving Chicken" on the dining room table one more time.

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@Ribh @MaryJanet @LozzyR @Aussie-Chookmum @Shadrach @micstrachan @ChicoryBlue

I'm hoping for a treatable condition but fear bad news.
Oh the famous Thanksgiving Chicken! She really made her mark that day!
That everyone spent time with her is good. Respect!
Side thought: If you do not go home with Lilly, would it be a good idea for the companion to have company on the ride home? To take two, both Hattie and Aurora, to go with Lilly?

 

[BY Bob]

Draining and antibiotics might give her one last hurrah. Unless it’s cancer, but the vet will likely have a tough time determining that. Do keep us posted. I know you will. I dragged Ruby’s end out waaaay too long, but she was such a fighter. In the end, she went on her own. You know I opted to help Ester end it instead. I thibk I did my best in both cases, but you have the opportunity to learn from my flock experiences. Whatever the vet says, you will do what you think is best for Lilly. I am very confident in that.

Thanks for that vote of confidence. You did what you thought best in each instance. That is all any of us can do.

It is hard because I cannot picture the tribe without Lilly. She has been here so long and is the anchor of this group. Aside from Hattie all I have are strange hens in one way or another. I just can't imagine her not being here and yet I need to prepare for just that. I know that they are with their behavior from today.

 

[BY Bob]

I'm hoping for a treatable condition but fear bad news.
Oh the famous Thanksgiving Chicken! She really made her mark that day!
That everyone spent time with her is good. Respect!
Side thought: If you do not go home with Lilly, would it be a good idea for the companion to have company on the ride home? To take two, both Hattie and Aurora, to go with Lilly?

Gosh I never considered that. I don't think all three will fit in the crate.

What should I do? Crap!

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Gosh I never considered that. I don't think all three will fit in the crate.

What should I do? Crap!

You could take a kitty carrier and open the door and face it into the crate for transport. Even hinge them temporarily together with duct tape. Then separate them for carrying into the vets, again placing them towards each other until the vet sees her. Does your crate have one or two doors?

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Gosh I never considered that. I don't think all three will fit in the crate.

What should I do? Crap!

Alternatively if the ride isn't that long don't sweat it. You could occupy the companion's attention by talking to her a lot on the way back.

 

[bgmathteach]

Gosh I never considered that. I don't think all three will fit in the crate.

What should I do? Crap!

If the vet isn't too far away (i.e. a long ride) I think whoever goes with Lilly will be okay on the ride home. That said, could you take Mrs @BY Bob so that whoever goes (well, if Hattie) can be held on the lap on the way home? If Aurora, maybe (does it fit?) The crate could be on the lap and you could talk to her the whole way home? I know that they draw comfort from you and trust you...very obvious by their behavior since the hawk attack...... so I think that your conversation and attention on the way home, whether it is 1, 2, or 3 hens, would be reassuring regardless.

My 2 cents: since Lilly has been choosing to roost next to Hattie these past few nights, I suggest that if you take 1 hen with her, let it be Hattie. My humble (and very fallible!) opinion is that Lilly is finding comfort with her.

 

[BY Bob]

You could take a kitty carrier and open the door and face it into the crate for transport. Even hinge them temporarily together with duct tape. Then separate them for carrying into the vets, again placing them towards each other until the vet sees her. Does your crate have one or two doors?

It has 2 doors.

 

[BY Bob]

Alternatively if the ride isn't that long don't sweat it. You could occupy the companion's attention by talking to her a lot on the way back.

I think I may go this way.