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

[speckledhen]

Ivy was all puffed up and loaded for bear! I can't imagine what Shadow did to start that...and I'm sure it was the little princess that did start the ruckus. I can't recall Ivy ever having any issues with her before, but maybe Shadow is looking to move up in the ranks--she's at the bottom, just above Fern, who she raised.

 

[joletabey]

GOOD GIRL,,IVY!!!! You tell that little Shadow, sweet as she is, where her place still is -
Cynthia, Ivy is just incredible- she amazes me!

 

[Serrin]

Quote:
Ditto Beth! She knocks my socks off every time I turn around. And I'm just loving the living daylights out of the thought that Ivy has enough spunk in her to defend her position in the ranks! You GO Ivy Girl! You GO!!!

I just pray that little demonstration didn't take too much out of the sweet girl.

I hope she continues to amaze/astound/make a liar out of you Cyn!

Thanks for that calcium tidbit! Clarissa has been having egg laying issues now and then for ages. Maybe giving her system a kick start in that department will make those rough spots a bit smoother. Heck, I might try that on everyone! Someone out there is laying a thin shelled egg nearly every day. I know it's not 'Rissy's, as what's left of it every morning looks nothing like hers.

Any suggestions Cyn on how to catch a possible egg eater in the act, that doesn't involve camping out in my coop all night?

If I could just catch one of them with (literally) egg on their face, I'd know for sure if this is an egg eating problem or a thin shelled egg problem. I'd like to think that it all starts with someone being a bit rough with a thin shell and then just takes advantage of the situation...you know...waste not, want not.....

.....

Frustrating! Any thoughts are always welcome.

Keeping everything crossed for Ivy that she continues to show them who is the boss!

 

[cuckoo_orpington13]

I'm sorry for her. Poor Ivy.

 

[speckledhen]

Serrin, I don't have any advice about egg eaters. I hear it's almost impossible to break them of it once they start. I once saw a blue wheaten Ameraucana hen in her cage at a show mess with her own egg until she managed to break it and eat it in front of the judges, LOL. I've never had an egg eater, at least not to this point.


BTW, when DH checked on the birds this morning, Shadow seemed to be trying to get at Ivy, but Charlotte, my older blue Ameraucana and the other BR hens were standing guard. Shadow was hopping up and down the roosts, frustrated. Why she has suddenly started this, I can't say for certain, but the timing would have to be related to Ivy's serious condition.

 

[Serrin]

Quote:

Oh my goodness! How embarrassing!!

I bet she didn't win any ribbons in that showing!

As to who is doing the dirty deed, (if indeed the egg is being deliberately broken and eaten, and this isn't simply a crime of opportunity) I have NO idea! I would give my eyeteeth to know who it is! As much as I despise the practice of clipping beaks, this is one time I would consider making an exception.

It beats the alternative, which would mean removal from the flock permanently! And since I don't believe in foisting my problems off on an unsuspecting prospective new owner, it would have to mean a trip to the freezer for the offending party.

*sigh* What's a chicken momma to do?

 

[speckledhen]

That Ivy is really making liar out of me. DH said when he let everyone out, he saw one of the BRs that he thought may have been Ivy come bouncing down the ramp and running around, acting perky as you please, sassy as they come. Said he did a double take and sure enough, it was Ivy. She has the strongest constitution of any hen I have, I think, to beat the odds so many times. I'm not saying she'll live or recover this time, but she is surely putting up a good fight. Go, Ivy!

 

[EweSheep]

That is great news!!!!!! At least she is enjoying for the moment!

 

[jojo54]

I'm SOOO glad she's doing better. What a fighter.

 

[speckledhen]

I just have a special place in my heart for my original girls. So many have already gone on to that Great Roost in the Sky and I know a couple more will fairly soon. At least Lexie, Sunny and Reba are still doing great, laying 3-4 eggs each week apiece, and I'm so grateful for that. Lexie's only problem is her arthritis in her feet. Not too bad for over 4 years old.