Pink Combs - Negative Fecal Test

[micstrachan]

So today I isolated Ruby, expecting to come home to a full crop. Nope. She’s just not eating much and still feels thin. Tail up. Feathers beautiful. Eyes bright. Comb a little light. Behavior COMPLETELY normal. I’m not going to crazy worrying. At least, I’ll try. May pick up a scale, though.

 

[21hens-incharge]

If you have a scale in your bathroom it is easier. Weigh yourself without the bird then while holding the bird. The difference is what the bird weighs.

Keep trying the wet mash for her. Maybe with some fish in it or cooked egg.

 

[micstrachan]

Good idea. Thank you @21hens-incharge .

 

[micstrachan]

Oh, forgot to mention, I did a littke wet mash (is it considered mash when it’s still crumbly) tonight with some Calf-Manna performance pellets mixed in. She liked it. But she shy’s away when the bullies come.

 

[21hens-incharge]

You need to make sure she gets to eat. Either lock them up and feed just her twice a day or have multiple dishes.

One thing I do when I have younger or new birds that works....
I lean a piece of plywood up in the run and put both food and water behind that. The shyer bird can eat in peace because the pushy ones don't see her eating. Hay bales, plywood, a pallet and many other things cazn be used.

 

[micstrachan]

That’s brilliant! I have two feeders in separate, conjoined pens, but they’re both “on stage.” Now that I suspect shejust needs to eat more, I am happy to support her with whatever creative efforts I can come up with. What do you think about the fact that she didn’t eat much today, even though she was isolated (in a pen/coop within the pen, not sll alone) today?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That’s brilliant! I have two feeders in separate, conjoined pens, but they’re both “on stage.” Now that I suspect shejust needs to eat more, I am happy to support her with whatever creative efforts I can come up with. What do you think about the fact that she didn’t eat much today, even though she was isolated (in a pen/coop within the pen, not sll alone) today?

Being isolated is stressful so a bird will spend most of her time trying to get out, and return to the flock, so she wouldn't eat as much as she normally would.