HELP!!!!!!!! I Think Barred Rock Roo Sick!!!!Plz any Advice!!!!!!!

[JestersEye]

Thanks again for your help and concern, threehorses. And thanks also for your confidence in my instincts. It's easy to question yourself during times of "failure". I have to remind myself of my successes at times like these, I guess. I just hate to lose, though!

Case in point:

I once stubbornly breathed into the tiny mouth of an apparently "dead" baby eastern cottontail bunny that I was rehabbing. (We think that it and its littermate had gotten separated from their mom when she had to move the nest during a storm.) I had to bottle feed them for weeks, and they had just started eating some solid food; so I surmised that it had choked on something. Anyway, when I gave it a "rescue breath" I saw its eye or ear twitch. I then started CPR... Yes, CPR on this tiny little creature that fit in the palm of my hand! Two fingers, gentle pressure until I was sure it was showing signs of life.

I had to keep stimulating it for over an hour while my sister came to pick us up and drive it to a vet's office. They insisted that the desperate gasps it was making at that point were indications that it was in the process of dying. I made them promise to give it a chance and not to euthanize it, because it had "rallied" in the car and shown effort in its movements. I just didn't think it was ready to give up yet. I'm sure they thought I was nuts, but the technician was also an amateur wildlife rehabber and agreed to wait.

My sister and I reluctantly left it and drove home with its littermate. About an hour later, we got a call to go back and pick it up. They said they'd never seen anything like it, but the bunny had started sitting up and was eating like nothing ever happened. It was a minor miracle! It looked a little shaky when we got there, which made me worried that it could've suffered neurological damage from the trauma. But by the next morning, he was much steadier on his feet, and his strength was completely back in a day or two, with no lasting effects. I kept the bunnies an extra week just to make sure it had a chance to fully recover; but then I released them to live out their lives as wild bunnies should. Just goes to show ya, don't give up just 'cause a situation looks hopeless! And we got a happy ending to finish this rambling post.

 

[threehorses]

Well I'm a bit like you. I don't believe in giving up easily in the fight for an animal's life because there have been some times that something looked to be a lost cause and ended up being far from it. I've seen enough times where "the impossible" happened. The trick is knowing that if in the end, the cause is lost, to let it go. (That's very very hard for me to do.) And knowing when to let go for the animal's sake (hard to do, but at least there's a purpose to it which makes it easier to do when you know you have to.)

Had I given up before, I wouldn't have any of the ducks or chickens that the vets (read as "the experts") said wouldn't make it through injuries. I wouldn't have my best horse, my "miracle pony" who was paralyzed with EPM on January the first (and now runs, bucks, plays, and not only enjoys life but reminds me to do the same), or a number of other "lost causes" that lived many many years here after their supposed dying day.

And in my case, I'm not saying it's me. I think there's goodness in the world; some people attribute it to a benevolent God (I'm one of the people who does), others think it's an energy, but it's there. I feel as long as I try, as long as I do what I can and still can look myself in the mirror, then I'll put in my part of the effort.

That's why I help others. Because sometimes I just think I'm going to fail. I worry like anyone. I cry maybe more than many. I spend a lot of nights up without sleep if something looks 'iffy' here. I know how it feels, and just like i like to take care of my animals, I think it's important that we take care of one another. Maybe the most important thing - as we're supposed to love one another like our own brothers and sisters, right? Well some people in the world I could do without.

But it's good to try, and the people here (like you) are awesome! It's easier to help great people I suppose.

There are many lessons to be learned from Pearl. Maybe what we've discussed here back and forth will save another one of your birds, or someone's favorite hen. Sometimes the purpose for these things happening is lost to us - but found by someone else.

/hugs and thank you for taking care of those bunnies, and for the story of it! It's a good lesson and one I'll hold close to my heart.

 

[coltsrox]

jesterseye, my condolences to you and your chicken family. I have no idea how it would feel, but I praise the Almighty that He delievered my rooster everyday!

speaking of which, i don't know if he is jsut comin off of his sickness and tommorrow it will be 3 weeks since he's been sick but only 1 week has been recovery. but one he has like orange tinted poop and he is molting like crazy. i dont know if this is good or not..

is he jut comin of sickness or what?

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
I'd think molting would be good as long as new feathers are coming in, and they're broad. As for the orange tint - I'd just give him a one day treat of a little applesauce, make sure he has yogurt, and see if that improves.

 

[JestersEye]

THANK YOU, Coltsrox, and to everyone else who has expressed condolences for the loss of our Pearl, or celebrated with us over the recovery of Cobalt.

I just went out today and inspected him, along with the rest of the flock, and I'm amazed at how strong and vibrant he is behaving! He is even doing a cute little dominance dance whenever he feels it necessary to protect or show off for his hen.

Threehorses, your sentiments about caring for all of God's creatures is very commendable! It seems that this message board is perfect for folks like us, who go the extra mile for those in need. Maybe we do make a difference in the cosmic theme of things, or maybe not... or maybe we're just earning karma or "spirit" points by doing what we can to help, as much as possible. Sometimes the successes are more measurable than other times, but I guess it still counts even when all we can do is help lessen suffering or offer kindness when all else fails. Owning so many pets is a lot or work and expense, and it's full of everyday dramas that complicate our lives; but I think the lessons one learns by sharing your heart and home are invaluable! And you are right... each loss does teach us a lesson, and each "failure" is an opportunity to learn from our mistakes.

Btw, I've ordered three female BA chicks from MyPetChicken.com, which should arrive in early September. And my favorite Blue Orp hen appears to have gone broody. I hope she hatches her clutch successfully... just in case, I stuck two white BA eggs in there with the brown Orp eggs. Please keep your fingers crossed for her first attempt at motherhood!