Special needs chicken

[Ashllen]

I had a frugal last six months so I cut out their daily meal worms treat. Didn't realize your actually suppose to switch to a higher protein in winter. These past 4 years I had been accidentally supplementing their needs with treats... but this winter I didn't, which probably helped both Freya and my new hampshire red hen Erza drop weight. Erza wasn't as bad off as Freya (wasnt injured so was getting more pellets), she was at 77 oz. But I know me being both broke and ignorant hurt my hens.

 

[Ashllen]

I checked all the other girl's and they feel fine, not light, and their keel bones aren't sticking out. But these two will be 4 in June, so more susceptible to these kinda things.

 

[Ashllen]

I still gave them scraps of course but I'm a single person so I don't get as many leftovers as I wish I did.

 

[Ashllen]

Atleast Freya is preening herself and I noticed she doesn't spazz when she does it anymore hopefully that means over time she will figure out ways around her disability.

 

[Ashllen]

Can anyone suggest a safe neck brace for Freya? My vet said it needs to be soft for her delicate skin. I only think I need one for when she is eating and drinking... she wastes energy trying to correct herself every time and I hope with this she will be able to make better weight gain

 

[Ashllen]

Here's why I'm concerned.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can she drink out of a deeper water station?

Try torpedo feeding her, that may be the best way to get nutrients into her. https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...eeding-what-is-it-and-when-to-use-it.1532744/

 

[Ashllen]

Here's my final update: Freya passed away today. She fought hard for 4 months, the 2nd vet I went to (recommended by my og vet) said it was most likely something with her inner ear. Thank-you all for your advice and helpful suggestions, I just gotta hope she is enjoying her afterlife in the big flock in the sky with all her fellow fallen flockmates.

 

[Ashllen]

The crazy thing is I had an audience while burying her. These were the only chickens that followed me, the bottom 2 are part of the batch I got her (the only ones still alive) and the red laced wyandotte liked following her around whenever she had a chance (being a fellow wyandotte, she allowed this).

 

[mrskenmore]

Here's my final update: Freya passed away today. She fought hard for 4 months, the 2nd vet I went to (recommended by my og vet) said it was most likely something with her inner ear. Thank-you all for your advice and helpful suggestions, I just gotta hope she is enjoying her afterlife in the big flock in the sky with all her fellow fallen flockmates.

Thank you for the update and closing the post out. I am so sorry for your loss. There is no doubt that Freya is up in the big chicken coop in the sky with all of her friends doing fun carefree chicken things!