Sick or injured hen

[julzspirit]

Hi. I did find the poop chart, and it is helpful. To update, BeeBee passed in the last hour, while I was attempting to give her some yogurt. Late last night she turned completely away from her food and water, so down deep I knew, and she knew, her time was near. She had accepted it, though I hadn't. She was 2 yrs old, a good chicken, a good hen and layer, with a sweet disposition. She was one of our 3 breeders, and I can only hope that at least one of the 5 we were able to hatch were her issue. I thank all of you for your advice, help, and honesty. I was convinced she was injured in her leg, by examination, and perhaps that too, but it was more likely one of the other problems you identified. I will be better able to identify and treat problems in the future thanks to your help.

 

[Outpost JWB]

. So sorry.

I have learned a lot from BYC and from experience keeping chickens. Please let us know if you need any other advise. Try to have a good day.

 

[julzspirit]

Thank you so much. I greatly appreciate it, and your sympathy. I've tortured myself most of the night, yet I did for her what I could. She had a good life and was a happy henny-penny. We've been very fortunate: in this our third year, we've lost only two hens from natural causes. We've, of course, processed a few roos for food, but of the 15 hens, there have been only those two, both in the past 6 or 8 weeks. Couple that with our 14- and 18-yr old dogs since January, it's been difficult. Yet as I said, she was a sweet and happy hen and she lived a good but short life. That is comfort and will make my day okay. Again, thank you. Sorry to be morose and chatty.

 

[Outpost JWB]

No worries. That's why we are here for each other. I have over 100 chickens. When we lose one, it's still hard, I had two that were so special, it still hurts to talk about. One got snatched in the middle of the night. I heard him scream but dismissed it as a ferel cat or something. The next morning, he was gone. Don't blame yourself, we all do though. We just have to remember they had a good life while they were here.

 

[julzspirit]

Thank you for the kind words. I am sorry for your loss. Hard not to have favorites or those special ones. My husband always says not to name them. But how can you not?! They each have their own personalities. I've discovered they are clever and intelligent, know their names, and have an understanding of some limited vocabulary. Quite fascinating and fun. Thanks again!