Older hen diarrhea, laying down, smells like ammonia, etc. Please Help

[Wickedchicken6]

If you had put her down right away, you may have still felt guilty wondering if you
could of/should of done more. At least now you do know that you tried. She received extra attention, comfort and love in her last days and that is what matters.

I agree with Wyorp. It's very hard to know at the time what to do, and no matter what a person decides...you second guess yourself later. It's very evident how much you cared for your hen and she would have sensed that as well. Chickens are amazing that way. You did the very best you could. That's all anyone can do.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your hen.
I'm glad she had such compassionate people caring for her at the end of her life.

 

[mschickiemama]

Aww you guys make me feel better. You're all so nice. Thanks for being here. Seriously grateful!

 

[Engine823]

Don't be hard on yourself. I had a hen named Emily I just had put down and a Necropsy done on. Was ridiculously hard on me!!!!!! I tried everything I could think of to help her but to no avail. I doctored her at the house for a few weeks just like you. In the end I found she had Avian Leukosa and had multiple tumors inside her as well as a large one on her back I knew about. She was my friend and I still miss her but I'm glad she isn't suffering.We probably suffer more than our hens!! I was giving her 2 injections a day and I dreaded it because I didn't want to hurt her. It was a miserable few weeks for me. I want you to know we understand your loss.
Your hen knew you loved her!! Remember that!!

 

[LittlePip21]

Don't be hard on yourself. I had a hen named Emily I just had put down and a Necropsy done on. Was ridiculously hard on me!!!!!! I tried everything I could think of to help her but to no avail. I doctored her at the house for a few weeks just like you. In the end I found she had Avian Leukosa and had multiple tumors inside her as well as a large one on her back I knew about. She was my friend and I still miss her but I'm glad she isn't suffering.We probably suffer more than our hens!! I was giving her 2 injections a day and I dreaded it because I didn't want to hurt her. It was a miserable few weeks for me. I want you to know we understand your loss.
Your hen knew you loved her!! Remember that!!

I completely understand where you are coming from. My sunny lived for I believe six months with ascities, thanks to draining her. It was so hard every day to make life and death decisions for my girl. Do I drain her? Or do I wait? Both ends of the decision were weighted with mounds of deadly consequences. I'm so glad I chose what I did, she was so happy, right up until the end. I remember her taking a dust bath and running around only a little while before she died. I remember how sick I felt every day, watching her so happy one minute, and so tired and ill the next. I was sick for her, I wanted with all of my heart to switch places with her. I don't think many people understand what it's like to lose a chicken. It's different than a dog or a cat, where the experts are right there and willing to help. But.. in my experience asking for treatment for my beloved hen only got me some general medications and a shrug. It may just be my particular situation, has anyone else had this kind of problem? It's hard to try and help our flock on our own, which is why I'm so grateful for this community, which is always willing to give caring advice.

 

[mschickiemama]

View attachment 1197899 I completely understand where you are coming from. My sunny lived for I believe six months with ascities, thanks to draining her. It was so hard every day to make life and death decisions for my girl. Do I drain her? Or do I wait? Both ends of the decision were weighted with mounds of deadly consequences. I'm so glad I chose what I did, she was so happy, right up until the end. I remember her taking a dust bath and running around only a little while before she died. I remember how sick I felt every day, watching her so happy one minute, and so tired and ill the next. I was sick for her, I wanted with all of my heart to switch places with her. I don't think many people understand what it's like to lose a chicken. It's different than a dog or a cat, where the experts are right there and willing to help. But.. in my experience asking for treatment for my beloved hen only got me some general medications and a shrug. It may just be my particular situation, has anyone else had this kind of problem? It's hard to try and help our flock on our own, which is why I'm so grateful for this community, which is always willing to give caring advice.

Your hen was so cute & lucky to have you to care for her! Glad to hear she was happy up to the end. I know what you mean with people. People who haven't had chickens probably aren't going to understand. I didn't even understand before having chickens in my life just how fascinating and enjoyable they really are. And yeah, most vets are geared toward cats and dogs. I don't think they learn all that much about chickens in school. That's why these forums are so dang awesome. Connecting with other chicken lovers and getting so many helpful tips! Sunny was so pretty. Thanks for sharing

 

[mschickiemama]

Don't be hard on yourself. I had a hen named Emily I just had put down and a Necropsy done on. Was ridiculously hard on me!!!!!! I tried everything I could think of to help her but to no avail. I doctored her at the house for a few weeks just like you. In the end I found she had Avian Leukosa and had multiple tumors inside her as well as a large one on her back I knew about. She was my friend and I still miss her but I'm glad she isn't suffering.We probably suffer more than our hens!! I was giving her 2 injections a day and I dreaded it because I didn't want to hurt her. It was a miserable few weeks for me. I want you to know we understand your loss.
Your hen knew you loved her!! Remember that!!

Thanks so much for posting. It's nice to know there are other people who understand. You are so right we probably suffer more than our hens. At least mentally! Sounds like you had a rough few weeks. I read about that chicken illness and even wondered if my hen had it. Hard to tell what is going on when they are under the weather...I felt miserable like you and confused on what to do. In the end I think euthanasia was a good choice even though it was painful to make the decision. Now there is no more pain. Sorry for your loss. Emily was lucky to have you!