Yes, all my chickens are pets and this one is particularly dear. It's reassuring to know there are others out there who feel the same way about their chickies. You just want to help them and do right by them. I'm sorry for what you're going through. I know it's hard.
I'll share what my vet said in case any of it is helpful...
He said my hen's crop was low and attributed this to age. He didn't suggest this, but I may try a crop bra too, at least at night.
He recommended worming her, but I'm afraid to in her compromised condition.
He thought it could be avian leukosis virus which they hatch with and then can cause tumors when they get old or are otherwise compromised. Thankfully this virus is bloodborne and not easily transmitted.
He recommended not continuing with crop treatments like mineral oil, but just try to get high calorie foods into her.
He gave her a long lasting antibiotic injection to cover his bases. He also has her on dexamethasone (steroid) indefinitely. This should help her feel better and can slow tumor growth if that's the issue. But, in the end he said that he didn't think she had much time left. So, I'll just take it day by day.
I'll share what my vet said in case any of it is helpful...
He said my hen's crop was low and attributed this to age. He didn't suggest this, but I may try a crop bra too, at least at night.
He recommended worming her, but I'm afraid to in her compromised condition.
He thought it could be avian leukosis virus which they hatch with and then can cause tumors when they get old or are otherwise compromised. Thankfully this virus is bloodborne and not easily transmitted.
He recommended not continuing with crop treatments like mineral oil, but just try to get high calorie foods into her.
He gave her a long lasting antibiotic injection to cover his bases. He also has her on dexamethasone (steroid) indefinitely. This should help her feel better and can slow tumor growth if that's the issue. But, in the end he said that he didn't think she had much time left. So, I'll just take it day by day.