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

[Cetawin]

I agree that the commercial feed is not the greatest thing going which is why we choose to supplement and mix items with their feed. Supplementing fresh vegetables, grains, seeds and etc is a must these days.

However, Cyn and I have discussed this many many times...our current chickens are so far removed from what they originally were, especially any from hatchery lines, that the average life span of a bird (8 years) is a rare occurrence. They are bred for heavy laying and not longevity any longer. Plus, couple all of that abuse of genetics with the fact that they do have cancer issues, laying issues and the strain on the body to make and lay an egg every day and it is hard for us to keep a hen alive, happy and healthy for half the expected life span these days.

Cyn, do the best you can but if she continues to lose weight and starts to go down hill, let her pass. Poor girl has been through so much already that it seems like it is going to be a recurring headache for her. You will know when it is time to stop trying to help because you are a good chicken mama.

Giver her the shot, make her a nice pancake and give her loves. Then see how she does bless her heart.

 

[jjthink]

JJ

 

[speckledhen]

We will, Ladyhawk. I adore Olivia, but after three rounds of antibiotics, there is nothing more I can do. Same with Ivy, I guess. I just really wish I'd have one long-lived chicken, but dang it, it'd be a rooster, not a hen (super spoiled boys I have and their bodies don't go through 1/10 as much as a hens')

 

[joletabey]

Cynthia, I am so sorry to hear this- and sorry I found this thread so late- Ivy and Livvie are in my prayers!

 

[speckledhen]

Thank you. Ivy and Lexie are so special, being my first BRs. And Olivia and her two sisters were such happy accidents. Since Kate already passed on, when Olivia goes, little Tux will be without either of her sisters. They always roosted together.

 

[joletabey]

That makes it even sadder- when they roost together, they must really be attached to each other -

 

[gumpsgirl]

I'm so sorry Cyn.

 

[speckledhen]

Just gave Ivy her second huge pen-G dose. Poor thing, the extra fluid in her abdomen puts pressure on her organs, especially her lungs, and when you hold her for her shot, even carefully, she breathes with her beak open and turns purplish. She took it like a trooper, but I hate seeing her having trouble breathing.

 

[EweSheep]

Jeez! I hope she does not suffer anymore than she already has! Bless Cyn for being a good chicken mommy!

 

[Serrin]

I'm keeping every one in my thoughts and prayers Cyn. Yes, it's heart wrenching. But I know you'll do everything within your power to help your girls. One way, or the other.

Know that I'm here, any time you need me.