Lethargic hen, standing slightly wide (inc poo pictures)

[micstrachan]

Wow, fascinating! Thanks so much for sharing. I look forward to hearing how she does moving forward.

 

[MandS]

Day 2
Honey seems to be bored but otherwise pretty good. She has a good appetite and is eating her mash. She has had her antibiotic and pain relief (metacam). Also, even though she didn't eat much yesterday, her volume of poo has increased quite dramatically, so her system seems to be working.

She is bored though, poor thing. She has to remain isolated until Monday, when she goes back for a check-up. Good progress so far.

 

[micstrachan]

Thanks for the update, gooo, Honey!

 

[Eggcessive]

Could she have a visit with her flock through a wire dog crate? Glad that you got her fixed up, and I hope her chronic crop problem is solved. Keep us posted on her progress.

 

[MandS]

Thanks again.

Day 3
She is bored and desperate for something other than mash. Gave her scrambled egg yesterday. The vet told me to keep her off anything hard, including grit, until Monday. Seems a long time though and I hope a lack of grit won't cause an issue.

That said, she is tail up and pretty perky. No adverse effects. Poo still normal and actually more of it as she is eating more. It's not big cones of poo but still has substance and is much bigger in quantity than when this all started.

She isn't drinking water though. Her mash is pretty moist (deliberately) so it may be she doesn't need it. She has it in the cage but isn't interested at all.

Just another day of isolation, then vet and hopefully careful reintegration.

Here she is!

 

[Eggcessive]

She doesn’t need grit if she is only getting moist layer feed. She will though once she is out on grass, or when she gets any whole grains or feeds other than her layer feed. Keep adding water to the mash to keep it runny. Egg is fine when mashed and chopped finely. Hoping that she gets well quick.

 

[micstrachan]

She’s looking great! Can’t wait to hear about her getting back to her flock. Good work!

 

[MandS]

Thanks everyone. Thank you for the grit confirmation Eggcessive.

Day 4
Hopefully the last day of isolation and non solids.
She is quite perky and doing a fantastic amount of poop. It's funny to get so excited about poop, but there you go!

This was last night's - a massive amount. Sorry.... but I was amazed at the amount. Big lumps too.

She still isn't drinking anything but is eating the mash and seems OK. Vet tomorrow and then she can be gently reintegrated. She's a lovely hen, friendly and good natured. She isn't laying, nor has she for weeks now. Maybe going back to a usual routine will bring it back. Still, she is over 3 now.

I'll report the vet news tomorrow. I hope it is positive.

 

[micstrachan]

Thanks for the update. Healthy looking poop!

 

[MandS]

Day 5

The vet was very pleased with her progress (so am I) and has said she can now go back to normal food and grit. She gobbled up grit and pellets. Have given her a bit of fruit (some grapes) and she has devoured them pronto. She continues on antibiotics for another 6 days but the stiches are dissolving nicely and there is not a trace of it, so the others won't have notice anything.

He said she was very good during the op. Just local anaesthetic and stood there calmly as he cut into her and removed it.

Since last week, she has put on just over 100g (3.5oz) which is brilliant. So she is now trying to get used to being back with the others. I have put her in a smaller run/coop with just one other chicken (who does dominate her a bit) and we will see how that goes. If she can cope with her, going back into the flock should be easy.

So far it is good news. Now just hope that she keeps flourishing.

Thanks for all the good wishes and comments.