Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[Shadrach]

Idris is not well. Ascites I think. I've never had to deal with this before. It's clear she is not enjoying life right now: been 3 days isolating herself, hunched up, black-tipped comb, no appetite, lethargy, bulging soft belly.

Anyone got experience and advice on how to proceed that doesn't involve vets or DIY surgery on her? I'm looking for tips on managing the situation I suppose, especially, (1) bring her in to warmth and freedom from molestation, or leave her with her family and friends?, and (2) is there a right time to euthanize, in a case like this? or is the lack of appetite nature's way of bringing the issue to its inevitable conclusion?

I don't think there are any tips for managing the situation. There are other peoples experiences, but different hen, different keeping circumstances, different abilities.
You'll do what you think is best and be left wondering if you have done the right thing. However, in your case the probability of you doing the right thing is very high.

I've never drained a hens belly but in the right circumstances I would. I would be aware that I was probably treating the symptoms rather than the cause and the draining was just to increase the comfort of a very likely death.

With sick chickens approach death my preference, and I strongly believe the chickens preference, is to be with the tribe. Henry has mated a few of his favourites up to the day they died. I didn't intervene. It's part of tribe life; it's just not we tend to think of as considerate behaviour.

 

[Shadrach]

Two hours today. Warmer than recently with a 25mph plus wind. It stayed dry though. We all got onto the field.

"Yes Henry, it would make a lovely nest if it was in the coop run!"

They've been venturing into the old fruit bush plot, something I've been trying to encourage. There is still some geotextile cloth to dig out which will make the ground more interesting for them. On the never ending list.

 

[kcan2]

"Yes Henry, it would make a lovely nest if it was in the coop run!"

Henry needs his own comic strip! Henry's World

 

[notabitail]

Two hours today. Warmer than recently with a 25mph plus wind. It stayed dry though. We all got onto the field.

"Yes Henry, it would make a lovely nest if it was in the coop run!"
View attachment 4007591

They've been venturing into the old fruit bush plot, something I've been trying to encourage. There is still some geotextile cloth to dig out which will make the ground more interesting for them. On the never ending list.

View attachment 4007594View attachment 4007592View attachment 4007590View attachment 4007593

Which chicken is that in the bottom left corner looking at the camera? Her face reminds me of Felicitas.

 

[SimpleJenn]

If I ever get time, I would love to draw Henry. Hard to juggle with a 3 year old and a house full of chores though!
He's just so regal

 

[BDutch]

Just 2 fun facts to share
Chickens are birds who are most related to dinosaurs. Figured out by DNA profiling.
And the first chicken is estimated to have lived 650 million yeas ago.

No tax required (chicken related)

 

[Shadrach]

Which chicken is that in the bottom left corner looking at the camera? Her face reminds me of Felicitas.

That's Tull.

 

[Shadrach]

If I ever get time, I would love to draw Henry. Hard to juggle with a 3 year old and a house full of chores though!
He's just so regal

I'm sure he would be delighted should you find the time.

 

[Shadrach]

How's Idris today @Perris ? Have you had a chance to give her a thorough inspection?

 

[Shadrach]

Two hours today. A little bit of drizzle and rather chilly despite the predicted 8C.
Everybody got out and the patch the field treasurer and I have cleared of the storm debris (mostly the shed) became very interesting for the chickens.

Mow had become a lot more assertive with Sylph and Tull. Sylph rather unwisely ignored a warning peck from Mow at the feed tray and Mow went to full battle order.
Tull is bit of an outcast currently. She's not laying eggs while Mow and Sylph are which means she doesn't get the attention of Henry and gets shoved out of the way so the laying hens can get best food options. She gets under my chair at treat time and I make sure she gets her share.