The Front Porch Swing

[enola]

I can't remember which it is but it seems like ascites is caused by excess protein or salt. Protein I think. I'm not sure, might be other causes too. Those birds are really hot inside when they have ascites. I guess that might be a fever. Wish I knew what to tell you to do. I've seen it quite a bit in CX meat birds so I'm thinking it is excess protein. Good luck with your hen.

Ascites is a symptom of liver failure. My boyfriend suffered ascites while he was waiting for his liver transplant. He says having ascites (fluid buildup) is VERY uncomfortable. The actual draining with needles is painful to say the least (Mike's description). He does admit he felt better after the procedure.

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

Little Bug indoor chick made it through the night. Yay!

Bug is using both legs a bit better now. Bug can stand and will walk, but still seems unsure.

Bug ate a little Fermented Feed mixed with scrambled egg yesterday. I dipped Bug's beak a few times to make sure he drank.

I've got a heat lamp on Bug for sure, but today will give Bug some time without it so there isn't so much shock to go back outside. The chicks don't spend much time under the hen during the day. It's warm here now ... I don't have heat on in the house, windows are open.

Bug's lungs are still FINE!

 

[heartsizedfarm]

Ascites is a symptom of liver failure. My boyfriend suffered ascites while he was waiting for his liver transplant. He says having ascites (fluid buildup) is VERY uncomfortable. The actual draining with needles is painful to say the least (Mike's description). He does admit he felt better after the procedure.

She seems to be draining herself now, after a few aspirations last night. Her towel was soaked this morning and she was less distended. Cheerfully tucked into a slice of watermelon.

 

[enola]

Bug will not be able to follow the moma hen if his legs are impared. If he can not keep up she will either leave him behind (if she is free ranging) or kill him If you have her penned. Chickens follow nature's rules - only the strong survive.

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

Bug will not be able to follow the moma hen if his legs are impared. If he can not keep up she will either leave him behind (if she is free ranging) or kill him If you have her penned. Chickens follow nature's rules - only the strong survive.

I know. That's why the chick is inside ... to see if I can get it up and going as fast as the others. I can't see anything wrong with the chick. The legs seem well formed and strong. I think it was just a late hatch, then didn't get enough fluff time under the hen before she decided to take the clutch out and about.

I'd have left Bug to die ... except s/he was looking up at me.

 

[heartsizedfarm]

I know. That's why the chick is inside ... to see if I can get it up and going as fast as the others. I can't see anything wrong with the chick. The legs seem well formed and strong. I think it was just a late hatch, then didn't get enough fluff time under the hen before she decided to take the clutch out and about.

I'd have left Bug to die ... except s/he was looking up at me. :/  

Awwwww.

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

Here is a video of the Freedom Mutts on parade between the coop and the kitchen. The hen has kept them in this area ... there is lots of great bug forage in the shavings there. And when they need a break, she finds a more protected spot a little closer to the house and clucks them under her. It's as if she's showing me, "This is how it's done."

A facebook friend gave me the idea for the title of the video: Silly Humans! Chicks Are For Hens!

At the end of the day we rounded them up and put them in a broody box inside the coop. We'll keep them in the broody box for a few days, then try to let them out again ...

I don't like having birds in boxes, but we do need them integrated with the rest of the flock, and that was the only way we could figure out how to get her/them used to being inside the coop.

 

[chickenboy190]

Don't let Bobbie (lol) bite you! Baby possums are so cute. Got any pics? You ate a coon yet???

Lol. Not of the babies cause they are in her pouch now. No, I have only caught one since last time I talked to you about it. Took me way to long to catch it -_-

 

[chickenboy190]

Ok oh my gosh. That's just the craziest thing I ever heard...not sure which is crazier, you wanting to train a coon, or bob having babies amidst training.

Oh no I don't want to train a coon!!! I'm only doing opposums at the time. well I don't I'll ever be doing coon though.

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

Awwwww.

I know. I hate being soft if it means an animal is suffering ... but