Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[bgmathteach]

Hi everyone. Sorry I’ve barely been on and have only posted about Ester. Lots going on.

My son was just diagnosed with strep throat. Ester is still unwell and has been self isolating, so I brought her in to warm up. She’s literally just standing there. She is backed up, swollen, not pooping or eating. I did see her drink when she came out this morning.

I gave her an aspirin for the ascites and swelling, and started her on amoxicillin. I wanted to give her some pedialyte with aloe detox, but her crop isn’t moving, so I held off. Instead, I gave her some coconut oil in hopes it helps loosen whatever is backing her up. There is a disgusting stench coming from her when I handle her, I think from her crop. Poor thing… like she’s rotting from the inside out.

Unfortunately, I don’t know if the ascites is causing the blockage or is secondary to it.

I don’t usually like to remove sick birds from the flock, but she’s been hanging out by herself, anyway. I may keep her in tonight for warmth and so I can know for sure that she isn’t pooping. If I can get her crop moving, I’d also like to get some aloe detox in her for the ascites, as well.

I’m not sure what else to do at this point. I may check in the morning if an avian vet can see her. It would be helpful to know what color the fluid in her coelum is, and maybe they could do some imaging. If she’s blocked by cancer, salpingitis, or something that can’t be cleared, like her gizzard, I may have her put down.

Oh, Michelle, this is disheartening news You've done so much for her, and given her so much love and care. I am not sure whether to hope she gets better (only to suffer more/again), or to hope for a peaceful exit. I know you will do what you feel is best for her. Hopefully there is a vet available so you can have more information and know how to proceed.

Hope your son feels better soon.

 

[Ponypoor]

Chaco is looking good! Staying in the stall mostly. (NO chicken Chow Mein)

A couple weeks ago I had left over roast chicken mash potatoes and carrots, etc....

Apparently my chickens are savage beasts, they scarfed back that chicken and didn't leave any crumbs . They also love mash potatoes and carrots and turnip. I am sure I will hear fro m others about feeding left overs , but they don't get it often....

I am sure they would love chicken Chow Mein also hahaha.

Why is Chaco stall bound?

 

[featherhead007]

A couple weeks ago I had left over roast chicken mash potatoes and carrots, etc....

Apparently my chickens are savage beasts, they scarfed back that chicken and didn't leave any crumbs . They also love mash potatoes and carrots and turnip. I am sure I will hear fro m others about feeding left overs , but they don't get it often....

I am sure they would love chicken Chow Mein also hahaha.

Why is Chaco stall bound?

My chooks did finish off the thanksgiving turkey and stuffing. And Christmas leftovers too.
Chaco isn’t stall bound. Seems she just likes staying dry.

 

[bgmathteach]

A couple weeks ago I tried the chickies with broccoli, they were totally freaked out by the broccoli florets. Needless to say it went uneaten hahaha.

Today I got an Acorn Squash, seems that they like that .

I also bought some scratch grain, but have never feed this before. Any words of wisdom from anyone on how much to feed?

Just a very small amount, like a teaspoonful per bird is plenty. (According to nutritionists and 10% ers.) Some will give more. I like to toss just a little onto a pile of leaves or other fresh bedding to make them work for it (and also spread their new bedding around...whether in the coop or run!)

I find they love broccoli if I partially cook it so it is more tender....and/or chop it into small pieces. When I do the latter, they gobble it right down.

 

[Ponypoor]

Just a very small amount, like a teaspoonful per bird is plenty. (According to nutritionists and 10% ers.) Some will give more. I like to toss just a little onto a pile of leaves or other fresh bedding to make them work for it (and also spread their new bedding around...whether in the coop or run!)

I find they love broccoli if I partially cook it so it is more tender....and/or chop it into small pieces. When I do the latter, they gobble it right down.

Yes that like cooked broccoli so I figured they would love to peck away at a big clump like they do with carrots. NOPE! It was so hilarious I video taped them .

Re: scratch, I will throw a handful in some hay for them in that case.

 

[Ponypoor]

My chooks did finish off the thanksgiving turkey and stuffing. And Christmas leftovers too.
Chaco isn’t stall bound. Seems she just likes staying dry.

Ah smart geegee hahaha my gals let me know when they want their blankets on.

I was going to try turkey soup with my gang, but was worried too much noodles... Bet they scarf it back also haha.

 

[RoyalChick]

Yes that like cooked broccoli so I figured they would love to peck away at a big clump like they do with carrots. NOPE! It was so hilarious I video taped them .

Re: scratch, I will throw a handful in some hay for them in that case.

I limit scratch grain to when I need to bribe them to go somewhere. If they are out and I need them to come in or if I am needing a bit of free space to work inside and I need them to move elsewhere.
I use it to make sure everyone is in when I lock up for example.
Or if someone goes walkabout and I need them to come home.
I do understand that by doing so I am creating a bit of a perverse incentive!

 

[Ponypoor]

I limit scratch grain to when I need to bribe them to go somewhere. If they are out and I need them to come in or if I am needing a bit of free space to work inside and I need them to move elsewhere.
I use it to make sure everyone is in when I lock up for example.
Or if someone goes walkabout and I need them to come home.
I do understand that by doing so I am creating a bit of a perverse incentive!

I am all for bribes, I learnt long ago with the horses it is better to bribe them to do something rather than forcing them, I am learning chickens r no different! It helps that chickens r incredibly food motivated! I bet they would eat the paint my off my truck ha!

 

[featherhead007]

I dunno, I think my chickens are motivated by all the love and attention that I bring them. (And meally worms)

 

[Ponypoor]

I dunno, I think my chickens are motivated by all the love and attention that I bring them. (And meally worms)

You need to post more photos of all your feathered (and furred) friends.