Thanks for asking, Bob. Ester is doing GREAT. However, she is still inside for heat and feedings. She's feathering in nicely, but her feathers aren't long enough yet to form that thermal layer. She is eating a few things now, but is not drinking much, if at all and her comb is still a bit flopped. Saturday she looked a bit hypothermic (doing that weird squat walk) when having an outside excursion. Sunday was a bit warmer. She also had a little time outside, but when the flock would not let her dustbathe, she walked right up to me and asked to go back in (by looking me in the eye and squatting at my feet.)How is Ester doing? Is her molt finishing up? Are you still feeding her?
Once she is eating, drinking and warming herself on her own, I will transition her back outside. I tried dropping the temp inside the last couple days, but came home to find her with cold feet and comb. She is definitely perkier when she is hydrated and warm. I had hoped not to have her separated for very long, but she is a low-ranked hen and thin to begin with, which is why I think she has taken this molt so hard. The power (and internet) will be out at work tomorrow, so I think I'll be working from home. If it's warm out, I might try letting her have a visit outside for a bit.
She has gained almost 10% of her body weight since I’ve been tubing her.
Here she is outside on Saturday:
And here she is inside yesterday:
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