MsBrahma
Chirping
Hi,
One of our hens began acting strangely several weeks ago. Sometimes wandering off alone, not coming when called (they are free range), seeming spaced out. It didn't look as though she was hurting, and I put it down to age (they are four years old). The others are fine.
Because the behavior started a while ago, it didn't seem like an acute onset of something. I think she has been laying. She has no visible injuries. Then two days ago she was just sitting motionless in the yard. We brought her into the kitchen where it's warm, and made her a bed in a box. She has barely moved. Her eyes are closed much of the time. Totally out of it, but I think she is suffering. I don't think she is egg-bound (I felt around); however, at the time we brought her inside her back end was really pooped up. It took quite a bit of cleaning, but again, no apparent issues back there.
She is totally inert. I thought she was on the verge of death night before last, but she just keeps hanging on. She opens her eyes briefly when you touch her, but no reaction to water dripped on her beak or people and pets circulating. She's had nothing by mouth for at least 36 hours. Last night when i changed her bedding I had to lift her out of the box and she could barely stand on her own.
I looked around on this site, but there is little discussion of euthenasia. I think she is miserable. What can be done? I am seeing a vet this morning with my cat and I will ask her, but I don't think they care for birds. And honestly I hate to put her through anything that moves her much as I am guessing she is uncomfortable. What do people do with a bird who seems to be dying but not quickly enough...
One of our hens began acting strangely several weeks ago. Sometimes wandering off alone, not coming when called (they are free range), seeming spaced out. It didn't look as though she was hurting, and I put it down to age (they are four years old). The others are fine.
Because the behavior started a while ago, it didn't seem like an acute onset of something. I think she has been laying. She has no visible injuries. Then two days ago she was just sitting motionless in the yard. We brought her into the kitchen where it's warm, and made her a bed in a box. She has barely moved. Her eyes are closed much of the time. Totally out of it, but I think she is suffering. I don't think she is egg-bound (I felt around); however, at the time we brought her inside her back end was really pooped up. It took quite a bit of cleaning, but again, no apparent issues back there.
She is totally inert. I thought she was on the verge of death night before last, but she just keeps hanging on. She opens her eyes briefly when you touch her, but no reaction to water dripped on her beak or people and pets circulating. She's had nothing by mouth for at least 36 hours. Last night when i changed her bedding I had to lift her out of the box and she could barely stand on her own.
I looked around on this site, but there is little discussion of euthenasia. I think she is miserable. What can be done? I am seeing a vet this morning with my cat and I will ask her, but I don't think they care for birds. And honestly I hate to put her through anything that moves her much as I am guessing she is uncomfortable. What do people do with a bird who seems to be dying but not quickly enough...
Losing a girl is always rough.
