Update: We've named her Lucy. I don't really name chickens unless a name fits them. Or until a name fits them I'd say. Especially if i have alot and some are hard to tell apart, like my 4 Morans. Lucys breathing issues reminded me of my grandmother, Luculle, i lost 5 years ago to COPD and other respiratory issues that she struggled with and fought for years. Her personality through this illness reminded me of my grandma too
Lucy also seemed to be a more feminine version to the pet name lucky to me (i dont like "pet" names). Lucky is what really leads to the actual update. Lucky because i don't think i seen any threads on here where their hens, with this severe gaping symptom, survived. Lucy was much better today. Breathing (gaping) was MUCH better today. She got a second dose of wormer and the daily routine of VetRx, special water, eggs, etc, etc. I actually woke up to her nested in my closet this morning, lol. My room is at the opposite end of the house as the bathroom she had been in, so obviously she was up for venturing today, lol. Since she woke up much more lively, spunky, and hen like today, i figured fresh air outdoors would do her good. She was happy to be out. She was still a bit slow, but followed the rest of the flock around all day taking rest breaks along the way. The rest of the flock still has no negative symptoms by the way. Come roost time, she went in the coop with the rest and hopped right up on the roost. The first night she slept on the coop floor, and in a laundry basket in my bathroom floor since, so this was a big positive step for her. The coop was thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, refreshed, and new ventilation was added today so I'm glad she can enjoy her own bed tonight as comfortable as possible. Will update again tomorrow. This post isnt very active aside from myself, lol, but i figured it could help others in the future who may research BYC for the same symptoms and possible treatments & outcomes. I sure wish i had an answer of exactly what it is, but i believe she is going to be ok atleast.
Lucy is back to her normal self. I don't think she has laid an egg yet after this, but other than that, you would never know she was near death a short time ago. There was a night where i was giving her her meds and i stopped, looked at my husband, and said "who the hell does this for a chicken?" He just smiled, giggled, and said "I have been wandering the same thing." I could tell he thought i was nuts at first, but every time he would walk by her he would talk "baby talk" to her as he pet her like a puppy. I won't tell him, but he isn't as "manly" as he thinks, and he may be just as crazy as his wife, lol.
