Pullet won't eat...? (sad update)

[TammyTX]

Two weeks ago I noticed she was on the roost and one eye was closed.

I put her in the "chicken hospital", doctored her eye, and I noticed she didn't eat, but she drank water. Her eye never appeared infected or swelled and it's fine now although a little squinty.

I gave her all kinds of chicken treats, even insects, but she won't eat anything. After about 4 days I sat down, trapped her between my legs and forced her beak open by gently pulling down on her wattles and up on her upper beak. I eye-dropper forced Poly-Vi-Sol and water into her mouth which she readily swallowed. So then I tried it with some soft food. She ate whatever I actually placed in her mouth, but nothing on her own. I tried giving her some red wigglers after the rain the other day and she looked like she wanted to eat them but it's like she can't open her beak very wide on her own??? I forced her mouth open and she had the worms for a snack.

Anyone have and idea? None of the other chickens have been affected so I don't think it's a disease... I can't keep on hand feeding her like this because it's just slow starvation.

 

[TammyTX]

Well, I have my poor little hen in the cooler with baking soda/vinegar right now.

When I got home I let her out to walk around and all she wanted to do was go to a dark place and hide. I would rather do this than have the fire ants get her when I'm not looking.

I set my alarm for 10 minutes.....7 to go and I'll check on her.

ETA: I'M AFRAID TO LOOK!!! I WENT OUT THERE RIGHT AT 10 MINUTES AND SHE WAS MOVING INSIDE OF THE COOLER THEN SHE LET OUT A "CAW!" AND THE COOLER QUIT MOVING. OH GOD!

 

[TammyTX]

Well I DID go out and look.

......and guess who looked right back at me when I opened the cooler?

I'm just going to have to get a sharp axe.


I SUCK AT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Jennings Gamefowl]

keep trying she might get better.... im praying that she will make it

 

[TipsyDog]

So sorry to hear about her!

I wouldn't do the baking soda thing - it really just burns their lungs/nostrils and it's quite cruel. You can wait and see how she does, or you can use the ax - be strong for her, I'm sure she deserves to go quick and painless - YOU CAN DO IT!

 

[Eggs4Sale]

 

[Elite Silkies]

I'm so sorry........... May God give you the strength to do it

 

[TammyTX]

Thank you. I don't think she'll get better. It's been two weeks and she is so skinny.

My husband will help, but one try is enough for today.

.....maybe tomorrow.

 

[chookchick]

Poor girl, maybe it would be easier for someone not attached to her to do the deed--a farmer neighbor? Good luck, hope she goes in peace.....

 

[chickenlady]

They can get skinny from cocci or worms. You could try treating for something. If you are going to put her down, put her in a small rubbermaid tub with a secure lid and soak a sock with starter fluid and place all inside the tube. She will be gone within minutes. Sorry you are dealing with this.