INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[kabhyper1]

My wyandottes never did. Just the RIR girls.

 

[browncow15]

Becoming an Avian vet does require special training as I imagiene any major or focus would. 

Actually their training isn't any different than any other veterinarian. They can complete requirements to be part of a specialty organization but that's all after vet school. Anybody with a DVM can practice on whatever species they choose to see. There are a lot of species lacking quality vet care because that's just not where the money is.

 

[pginsber]

M2H: The videos of chickens playing the piano are great! I can imagine Nene provide hours of entertainment. Definitely some musical possibilities there!

I like to sit inside the chicken run, or outside the fence, and just watch the girls interact.

Edith, our Barred Rock pullet with a big floppy comb, is curious about everything. She would be a great candidate to go on tour with Nene!

 

[PeacefulWalls]

This is off the chicken topic, but a while back a number of us were talking about caregiving with parents/other relatives with dementia or Alzheimer's. I found this quote on Pinterest and just started crying as I read it -- especially as things are getting a lot tougher now with Mom's progression of dementia. I think I need to print it out & stick it on the fridge to look at often! I thought those of you in the same situation might like it too...


Alzheimer’s Request

Do not ask me to remember,
don’t try to make me understand.
Let me rest and know you’re with me,
kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I’m confused beyond your concept,
I’m sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you,
to be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me,
do not scold or curse or cry.
I can’t help the way I’m acting,
I can’t be different though I try.

Just remember that I need you,
that the best of me is gone.
Please don’t fail to stand beside me,
love me ‘til my life is gone.

 

[AmLambson]

In response to the leg issues over the past pages: The first thing people always think of is Marek's, but this is usually not the case. The paralysis common to Marek's disease is very different than most of the posts I've seen with concern for it. I have posted videos of confirmed Marek's sufferers, though that was a while ago. I'll try to find them and repost them. These videos are heart wrenching (to me at least) but show very obviously the difference between simple limping and typical Marek's disease limping.

Things to look for if concerned about Marek's:

Progressive paralysis, starting as weakness in one leg, gradually spreading through the entire leg and sometimes the wing on the same side.

Complete paralysis of one foot. This means that the toes do not bend or unbend as the bird is moving and are usually curled up a bit. The toes don't uncurl when the bird tries to walk and usually they step on the curled toes and slip or stumble.

One leg forward and one leg back position, which is exactly as it sounds.

Using one or both wings as a crutch, which is usually in combination with the described complete paralysis of one foot.


Oh, and for you reading pleasure, a member here on BYC lost a bird to Marek's disease and has since done so, so much research and put together so much information that it's astounding! Whether or not it helps with diagnosis, this page has lots of good information and is worth the read if you have the time: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq





ETA: The post with links to videos that I was talking about.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for posting these links!!!

 

[gunchief25]

Morning cockadoodledoo

 

[Leahs Mom]

Morning cockadoodledoo

Haha...you say good morning

...I say good night

 

[AmLambson]

AmLambson~ When I looked up info, it turned out that being an avian vet is actually a vet who has taken a special avian course. My regular veterinarian clinic, Epperson's in Evansville, has two vets who both have avian training. When I brought Violet there for a leg injury last July, this is what I paid:
Metacam $29.50
X-ray 63.33
Avian Exam 55.25
Total: $148.08
My regular vet office happened to be closed for a meeting when I wanted to have Violet checked again because I knew she wasn't improving. I brought her to Highland Vet Clinic to Dr. Gormley who had avian training and is also a wild bird rehabilitator. When he advised me to have her put to sleep because it was clear that she would not improve, he said he'd just charge me $30 for the visit/euthanasia. I hadn't said anything about cost, but I think he just felt like a person shouldn't be charged as much for a chicken patient.

Thank you Mother2Hens!!! Very useful infomation that I will be using undoubtedly!! Im happy to have other offices as a option instead of just one clinic!!! Im so thankful for this site!!! I feel less alone in my chicken worries!!

 

[gunchief25]

Haha...you say good morning

...I say good night

 

[AmLambson]

Moring everyone!!! Pepper is doing the same, no worse and no better. Still holding her foot up and using her knee to walk. Shes been resting inside a dog carrier since monday shes eating and drinking just fine but I can tell she misses her sisters. She outside on the porch in the carrier getting some fresh air. After watching the youtube videos I cant say for sure its not the slow moving Mareks but the way they held their feet is a little than how she is holding hers. Also I saw her itch the back of her head with her hurt foot which instantly made me happy to see her use the toenails that I thought she couldnt feel. Although it might be common and I just dont know that lol. I HAVE HOPE!!!! Im doing some leg exercises to see if it'll helps. Thank you to you all!!!!






Pepper would like to Thank you all also for helping to calm and give hope to the crazy chicken lady that loves her!!!