My Ivy.. Latest Relapse...She's Gone

[Serrin]

Cyn, I'm carrying an image in my mind of a healthy and happy Ivy. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking!

I sure hope Ginger doesn’t go the way of Violet too. Please keep us posted on both of your girls, and I’ll keep the positive thoughts coming!

 

[speckledhen]

Thank you, Serrin. I dread losing Ivy, who was my very first Barred Rock.

Dad is at home-he called me last night. He just needs to get his strength back up now.

 

[Serrin]

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I'm so glad to hear that your father is doing much better!

I'll keep him in my thoughts today as well. I hope he continues to improve. Like I said before; set his butt down on the porch with a good quiet hen, and a nice cold glass of sweet tea and tell him to relax!! take it easy and heal dang it!! That's an order!

I know how stubborn dads can be!

BTW, how is Ivy doing this morning? Is her appetite improving? She may yet surprise you and I sincerely hope she does! She sounds like such a lovely girl. The pictures of her certainly show her to be a beautiful little lady!

What is it with these BR's and BO's that they can wiggle so quickly into our hearts. My two best girls are Gimpy (BO) and LizzyBeth (BR) also known as my "special needs" girl. Sure, I love all of my girls, but Gimpy will always be number one in my heart and not just the pecking order. And LizzyBeth, well...that story just speaks for itself. I so completely empathize with your loss of Violet and the possibility of losing Ivy. I know I'll be completely devastated when the time to cross over comes for both of my special girls.

You hang in there Cyn. Know that I and many others are cheering for Ivy to improve, as well as your father. You've had enough grief for one year. I really do hope things improve for you, your flock and your human family.

 

[Serrin]

Hey Cyn, how are Ivy and your dad doing? Hope you can report an improvement in both.

 

[speckledhen]

Ivy is still walking, eating and drinking. She climbed up and looked in a nest, then went into it and back out. Ginger also sat on a nest today, cackled and got off without an egg. Time will tell. I hesitate to make any predictions right now. Same with my Dad, too, I guess. He has to get his strength back.

 

[Serrin]

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Well, it sounds like both Ivy and Ginger have the desire to do what hens do.

That has to be a good thing, right? I bet they surprise everyone!

I'm sure you mentioned how old your father is. But, honestly dear, sometimes, I can't even remember what day it is!

Sometimes just age alone can be a huge hurdle when it comes to recovery. I know I don't heal as quickly as I did when I was a child. The older we get, the longer it takes. Given sufficient time without any further setbacks, I'm sure you dad will regain his strength.

Keeping your "flock"

in my thoughts. Thanks for the update.

 

[speckledhen]

Sure hope you're right about those two. They are sweethearts.

My dad is 88 years old. He lost his leg last year and is still trying to get the prosthesis to fit right and now this. He's been through the wringer in the last year.

 

[Serrin]

Quote:

Wow!! 88! That's admirable all in itself. I'll be holding him all the more firmly in my thoughts for a complete recovery!

 

[speckledhen]

UPDATE on Ivy and Ginger:

All the excess fluid has drained from Ivy's abdomen, so perhaps the penicillin did do some good after all. Doesnt mean she'll make it, but for now, she is holding on. She walks, eats, drinks, shows interest, though she is still skin and bones. Her color is normal. So, time will tell. That Ivy must be one overall healthy girl if she beats this internal laying thing a second time!

Ginger is who concerns me right now. Ginger is one of two hatchery Buff Orps. The other one has been broody twice and my breeder Buff Orp has been broody, so both of them have had long breaks from laying. Found Ginger sitting on my porch steps awhile ago, looking very sleepy. Her comb and wattles have taken on that purplish cast like Violet had before she passed on. We caught her and felt the abdomen--it's full of fluid, also like Violet and Ivy, though she isn't as thin as the others yet. We took care of a minor case of bumblefoot on her and started her on penicillin injections, just like we did for Ivy. This is the first time in her almost four years of age that Ginger has ever had antibiotics so maybe they'll do her some good.

 

[jjthink]

I really hope so

And glad Ivy is holding her own - showing interest is the best of all. I should have known when Betty (RIP) stopped showing any interest that I was prolonging her misery but I kept hoping for a breakthrough....

JJ