Mouth breathing & walking like a penguin

[pawprint2104]

Sadly, I have an update. Xena died in my arms today. She thrived after the vet's treatment for, at least, 3 months. Today, I decided it was time for a second draining of her abdomen. When I picked her up and put her in my lap, she very quickly passed away. I can only assume her weakened state and my handling of her stressed her out. As sad as it is, she went very quickly. I held gently in my lap her until her eyes closed. It didn't take more than a matter of seconds and she was gone. She was a beautiful hen. I'm very sad she's gone, but I'm glad it was quick, and she didn't suffer.

I delivered her to our state's animal health laboratory for necropsy. I'm interested in discovering the reason for her untimely demise.

Each day I learn more about our world and chicken farming. Sometimes it's poetic and beautiful, sometimes it's grisly and disturbing.

 

[Sandstorm495]

So sorry for you

At least you should be prepared for next time, and have now gained more knowledge.

 

[cortner1195]

I am sorry for your loss. At least she was able to pass in love and comfort of her human. Glad you were there for her.

 

[BarredRockMom]

Sadly, I have an update. Xena died in my arms today. She thrived after the vet's treatment for, at least, 3 months. Today, I decided it was time for a second draining of her abdomen. When I picked her up and put her in my lap, she very quickly passed away. I can only assume her weakened state and my handling of her stressed her out. As sad as it is, she went very quickly. I held gently in my lap her until her eyes closed. It didn't take more than a matter of seconds and she was gone. She was a beautiful hen. I'm very sad she's gone, but I'm glad it was quick, and she didn't suffer.

I delivered her to our state's animal health laboratory for necropsy. I'm interested in discovering the reason for her untimely demise.

Each day I learn more about our world and chicken farming. Sometimes it's poetic and beautiful, sometimes it's grisly and disturbing.

I was sorry to hear about your friend Xena. I'm wondering what the necropsy results were, if you don't mind my asking? I agree about learning more each day, especially about chickens. On the days when it's poetic, beautiful and they delight me I'm thankful. On the days I learn sad, grisly &/or disturbing things, I'm thankful too, even if it's only that the day ends...lesson or no lesson, those days are hard.

 

[pawprint2104]

I was sorry to hear about your friend Xena. I'm wondering what the necropsy results were, if you don't mind my asking? I agree about learning more each day, especially about chickens. On the days when it's poetic, beautiful and they delight me I'm thankful. On the days I learn sad, grisly &/or disturbing things, I'm thankful too, even if it's only that the day ends...lesson or no lesson, those days are hard.

I can't find the sheet from the lab, but from memory, she had numerous tumors throughout her internal organs. The tumors caused a build up of fluid which put pressure on her lungs and heart. Although she was only 3 years old, folks have told me it's not unusual for this to happen. My remaining two hens are fine, so it doesn't seem to be caused by food related or environmental conditions, otherwise I'd think they'd all be affected. So, all I can figure out is that she was just predisposed to tumor development. She was my favorite, sweetest hen, so it was hard to lose her.

I recently got two new chicks "Willow" a black Australorp, and "Tara" a Delaware. They're too small to join "Dawn and Buffy" (my RIRs), but they scratch in the garden on the other side of the hen pen where they can be seen by my big reds. Also, I put two fake eggs in the egg box hoping to encourage one of them to go broody to take the new chicks under her wing. That hasn't happened yet, however egg production returned and I'm getting one egg a day now. I'm delighted! My freeloading reds have become productive again. Woo Hoo! I wonder if seeing the new chicks or fake eggs incited them into laying again? Things are looking up around here, sweet peeps from the new chicks and fresh eggs on my counter.

 

[BarredRockMom]

I can't find the sheet from the lab, but from memory, she had numerous tumors throughout her internal organs. The tumors caused a build up of fluid which put pressure on her lungs and heart. Although she was only 3 years old, folks have told me it's not unusual for this to happen. My remaining two hens are fine, so it doesn't seem to be caused by food related or environmental conditions, otherwise I'd think they'd all be affected. So, all I can figure out is that she was just predisposed to tumor development. She was my favorite, sweetest hen, so it was hard to lose her.

I recently got two new chicks "Willow" a black Australorp, and "Tara" a Delaware. They're too small to join "Dawn and Buffy" (my RIRs), but they scratch in the garden on the other side of the hen pen where they can be seen by my big reds. Also, I put two fake eggs in the egg box hoping to encourage one of them to go broody to take the new chicks under her wing. That hasn't happened yet, however egg production returned and I'm getting one egg a day now. I'm delighted! My freeloading reds have become productive again. Woo Hoo! I wonder if seeing the new chicks or fake eggs incited them into laying again? Things are looking up around here, sweet peeps from the new chicks and fresh eggs on my counter.

Glad things are looking up for you! Fresh eggs is a huge benefit, I agree. Unfortunately, I'm sad to hear about the cause of Xena's demise being tumors. One of my girls is having the same issue and I feel completely helpless. Besides Pedialyte, some diuretic parsley powder and dandelion powder, I don't know that there's much I can to for her. I'm trying to keep her comfortable, warm, dry, well fed and comfortable, but she just hasn't responded well to being in the coop. She's in my kitchen, in a box filled with wood shavings. She seems happy except for a general weakness. I'm hoping she'll recover and be able to rejoin her flock.

Much like your Xena, my Prissy Pants is the sweetest little chicken. She's my shoulder chicken and just loves to cuddle.

 

[pawprint2104]

If your girl has fluid buildup, that can be temporarily resolved through sub-q removal. Is your girl full of fluid?