We have a smattering of snow on the ground for really, the very first time this cold season. And tonight, we go close to single digits, coldest night so far this year.
My Delaware, Georgie, who would be 10 next month, is really under the weather this morning. When I go into the pen with the poop rake every a.m., she is always under my feet, begging for scratch and watching everything I do. Today, she was sitting on the floor and did not get up when I scooped around her. She looks so tired. I took some oatmeal with probiotics into the pen that was left over from what I gave to Thea and sat it in front of her. She didn't just dive in or immediately stand. When she finally did stand, she is squatty and her tail is down. She is not bloated, though she has been on and off for the past year or so, and her color is not bad, either, though she will turn dark if you pick her up and carry her and begin to open-mouth breathe. She never fully stood up the entire time we were in there. She just seems so, so tired and not at all herself. Could be she is just on her way out. I've had Delawares for 11 years and she is my last one. It will truly be the end of an era. Atlas and his daughters are related, of course, through Isaac, but it won't be the same without Georgie with the huge Dellie personality.
Also, Panda, my BRx Ameraucana, who is Gypsy's half sister and almost 11 herself, was very lethargic today. Even Tiny seemed concerned and Gypsy was laying beside her on the floor, as was Emily. I just have so many old, old hens that it would not surprise me if more than one passed on the same day.
