Special needs chicken

[Ashllen]

if curious about what the culprit looks like... she is my profile pic. Super naughty, but can be sweet, apparently she prefers egg to chicken (luckily).

 

[mrskenmore]

I am on team Freya- I think with some time and adjustments on your part as a doting caretaker she will live a long and happy life! She looks ok in those videos, yes a little different, but who's looking?? You are doing a great job caring for her. Keep those culprits at bay lol

 

[chooki]

I'll give that a try! I do see her preen herself sometimes, so she is trying at least. How often show I give her a dust bath? Is it mandatory everyday? Or is every couple days alright?

Every couple of days should be fine, I think.
For me, it really depends on whether I sense blood sucking parasites on them.

 

[1Slayer]

Definitely need to try that next, I'll also need to invest in a way to keep pee pads taped down... she likes to kick them around. My poor poor shower stall. Also I've heard their poop can tell a lot about health and I've noticed hers isn't normal (more a dark green). Could be because of her medicine, but does it mean anything in particular that I should worry about?

Hi, so sorry to hear about your hen, you seem to be doing all the right things...the blueberries can change the color of her poop also. I hope things get better

 

[Ashllen]

Hi, so sorry to hear about your hen, you seem to be doing all the right things...the blueberries can change the color of her poop also. I hope things get better

Thanks! I hope so too! This hen has a special place in my heart. I remember going in with my sister in law to pick up my first batch of chickens, they were in a tower of trays and the dude reached his hand in to scoot the chicks closer so we may see them, and baby Freya ran up the guy's arm and down his back for a bid to freedom! I literally caught her in the air and said "well there is chick number one." She was a week older then the rest and just getting her wing feathers but I knew she wanted out and I was willing to give her a shot. Sure she was stubborn about going to bed on time, and if she had her way she would sleep on the roof. But she has heart.

 

[1Slayer]

Awww, that's so sweet. She is lucky to have you!! You were meant for each other

 

[Ashllen]

Another thing, I've been concerned because I haven't really seen her drink water (hence putting berries in her drink). But today she must have been thirsty because when I put her outside she ran for the water dish. Which made me realize why she has been avoiding it... she can't tilt her head up to drink. She tries sure, but if she goes to far back her neck "flops" and she has one of her spazz moments. I know she is getting fluid from her pellet mash, berries can provide fluids too, but does anybody have any suggestions? Also what is a healthy amount of water she should be drinking a day? She can drink, I just have to spot her while she does so for neck corrections.

 

[Ashllen]

Sorry asked Google and it said 1 to 2 cups a day for a chicken. (More if laying) which she isn't at the moment, she should start up again soonish tho.

 

[Ashllen]

I'll start keeping track of how much water she is drinking. Don't want all my hard work ruined by a bit of dehydration.

 

[mrskenmore]

I'll start keeping track of how much water she is drinking. Don't want all my hard work ruined by a bit of dehydration.

Could you get a few waters and hang them high with the nipple style so she has to drink by going under it (with neck up) and keep her neck up to swallow?

https://the-chicken-chick.com/the-advantages-of-poultry-nipples/