Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[drstratton]

Fat Bird is a very wise old hen.
Shortly after her balance problems I believe I mentioned her crop started acting up. I've dealt with quite a few crop problems now and Fat Bird's seemed to me to be very grim. She has a large crop compared and when I first became seriously concerend about it, it was the size of a tennis ball that had been slightly squashed. This was when I took her to see Gloria (vet).
Gloria did get a thin tube past Fat Bird's crop and into thhe digestive tract that leads to the gizzard. I could feel, as could Gloria, when the tube had gone past the exit of the crop and into the tract. I could also feel the tube come to an abrupt halt. This is where Gloria took a chance and pushed against whaever the end of the tube had lodged against. The tube, when Gloria pulled it out was coated in gunk. We, Fat Bird, me and Gloria did this three times, the tube going a little bit further each time. Gloria didn't want to push further because apprently the entrance to the gizzard is very hard to locate.
Tbh, I didn't hold out much hope for this procedure.
Once back home, I've been getting some coconut oil into Fat Bird and massaging her crop intermittantly throughout the days. I've been concerend because I keep finding Fat Bird eating grass and dirt.
It seems she may know what she is doing. Each day now her crop has reduced in size and she is pooping more. The poop isn't quite what one would hope to see in a healthy hen, but it's poop so stuff is going through her system.
Fat Bird still eats some commercial feed, but nothing like her usual amount.
Each day now the content in Fat Bird's crop has reduced in size. This afternoon when I gave her a massage there was just a small ball about the size of a large grape left.
Unfortunately, her balance problem has not improved but take a look at her pictures. She looks wonderfull. Her comb is a good colour and firm. Her plumage has that spring sheen to it. Her wattles are fleshy and healthy looking and her eyes alert.
She manages to keep up with the rest of the tribe. It's really only at supper time when their treat food gets distributed on the ground that one really notices that she has great trouble stepping backwards and making sudden turns. She fell over twice this evening.
The only other thing that gives her away is she sits awkwardly and more than she would normally. However, at ten going on eleven years old one might expect a lot less energy than the younger hens.
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I love the care and devotion you give to your flock Shad! That is such an amazing age for a hen & she really is looking healthy!

 

[drstratton]

Hello Bob and everyone . Just dropping by to see you all

Hi Marie!

 

[featherhead007]

Update on Rocks-Anne: after laying her egg, there she sits still flat as a pancake on it after all this time. She’s never been broody before, ( in four years), ever. I’m wondering if her motherly instincts kicked in, when she saw the littles and decided it was time to be a mama, or maybe because it’s springtime now? I don’t know. I really do fear for broody hens. (Not eating or drinking, feather loss, poor health, etc.) I put some water close to her, just in case.

 

[featherhead007]

Additional chicken tax. Rocks-Anne five minutes ago:

 

[fuentemoon]

Rainy blustery day here today. Just cool and wet enough to make everyone grumpy
So I made some yummy spiced rice and a pot of beans and I think it is time for nap #3

 

[BY Bob]

Carolina Wren?

That's what it looks like.

 

[Blazinga]

Got a pic of a cuddle puddle

 

[BY Bob]

Emergency averted. Rocks-Anne was in the barn/coop screaming as if in real pain. I brought her inside and rubbed her abdomen. She quieted down, and finally laid her egg, right in my lap. (Wow, let me tell you, This man was worried!)

My gosh that must have been so scary. I'm glad she is OK.

 

[BY Bob]

Rainy blustery day here today. Just cool and wet enough to make everyone grumpy
So I made some yummy spiced rice and a pot of beans and I think it is time for nap #3

Nap #3 means it is an excellent day!

 

[BY Bob]

Got a pic of a cuddle puddleView attachment 2583855

Chicks just get to me. Soooooo cute!