Hi everyone,
Earlier this summer, I rescued 2 pullets from a neighbor who was not caring for them well. Two little cuties out in 100 degree weather with no shade or able to roost. They were in obvious distress and I decided to wrangle them.
( add "chicken wrangler" to my resume) I did confess to him afterward...and he admitted that he left them in my site so I'd feel sorry for them and take them!
Long story longer, one of these two did not make it, and the other one over the last few months has turned into the biggest chicken I've ever seen! Probably a leghorn. She's a hefty white bird, who just began laying GIANT eggs and has the most beautiful comb....so you would think healthy. HOWEVER, her vent is always "working" : opening and closing and her behind is covered in poop all the time. I have tried to clean her, but it just comes back. She still doesn't roost and will just sit in her own runny stool. Please give me suggestions on anything I might do to help stop the runs. She's a nasty mess. See photo of the poo below... yuck!
In the mean time, my 5yr old Buff Orpington, the last of 3 original girls, was all I had left. She's an older gal, but a beauty and was still laying occasionally! About a month ago I noticed she seemed to be loosing weight and just looked dull. I attributed that to old age. Yesterday though, her beautiful comb layed over, and she's got her tail tucked. She's lethargic and seems a little confused about navigating the yard. She lets me hold her, so I was able to get a good look at her. The comb has little white bumps on it and her bottom is also covered in poo. NOT normal for this gal.
Have I made a huge error in taking in an outsider? Any recommendations,, supplements I might try or tests to determine what has gone wrong?
They are well care for, plenty of food, fresh water, free ranging, oyster shells, and clean cooping. I see no worms in the droppings.
I'll feel terrible if this is my fault....
Thank you in advance for any helpful ideas. isn't it crazy how attached we can get to these birds?
Earlier this summer, I rescued 2 pullets from a neighbor who was not caring for them well. Two little cuties out in 100 degree weather with no shade or able to roost. They were in obvious distress and I decided to wrangle them.
( add "chicken wrangler" to my resume) I did confess to him afterward...and he admitted that he left them in my site so I'd feel sorry for them and take them!
Long story longer, one of these two did not make it, and the other one over the last few months has turned into the biggest chicken I've ever seen! Probably a leghorn. She's a hefty white bird, who just began laying GIANT eggs and has the most beautiful comb....so you would think healthy. HOWEVER, her vent is always "working" : opening and closing and her behind is covered in poop all the time. I have tried to clean her, but it just comes back. She still doesn't roost and will just sit in her own runny stool. Please give me suggestions on anything I might do to help stop the runs. She's a nasty mess. See photo of the poo below... yuck!
In the mean time, my 5yr old Buff Orpington, the last of 3 original girls, was all I had left. She's an older gal, but a beauty and was still laying occasionally! About a month ago I noticed she seemed to be loosing weight and just looked dull. I attributed that to old age. Yesterday though, her beautiful comb layed over, and she's got her tail tucked. She's lethargic and seems a little confused about navigating the yard. She lets me hold her, so I was able to get a good look at her. The comb has little white bumps on it and her bottom is also covered in poo. NOT normal for this gal.
Have I made a huge error in taking in an outsider? Any recommendations,, supplements I might try or tests to determine what has gone wrong?
They are well care for, plenty of food, fresh water, free ranging, oyster shells, and clean cooping. I see no worms in the droppings.
I'll feel terrible if this is my fault....
Thank you in advance for any helpful ideas. isn't it crazy how attached we can get to these birds?
