We know broody hens. How about a nanny hen?

[azygous]

Who knew caring for chickens could sometimes be an "E" ticket ride?

 

[Sycamore Hill Chicks]

That is so cute!

 

[aart]

Why would she have been dehydrated and starving?

 

[azygous]

Why would she have been dehydrated and starving?

Because she's in a lot of pain and isn't inclined to move around much. She chooses to remain inactive rather than move to drink water and eat as much as she should.

Crating her seems to encourage this defeatist behavior. Last night was the first she's been crated. This morning, she behaved as if she was on death's doorstep, even though she had immediate access to food and water in her crate. I've found that sick chicks do much better left with their mates who stimulate the sick chick.

I'm heading out to check on her progress now.

 

[azygous]

Jules seems to have completely revived. Energy level is back to normal. Sugar water and a bit of food and the Nutri-drench have done their work. Jules is the chick at front and center enjoying some raw squash with her flock mates.

 

[ValerieJ]

Jules seems to have completely revived. Energy level is back to normal. Sugar water and a bit of food and the Nutri-drench have done their work. Jules is the chick at front and center enjoying some raw squash with her flock mates. View attachment 2367690

What a relief. I've been on the edge of my seat. Sounds like you'll have to monitor her food intake until her leg heals.

Also, I've learned something here. I do have a hen who was injured by my youngest cockerel, who has since been separated. She is staying in the coop, and doesn't come off the roost to eat and get water, although I have put it right in the coop for her. So, I've started bringing some up to her. I don't need her getting weak from not eating, while she is trying to heal.

 

[azygous]

Jules isn't doing well. It seems her leg should be getting stronger, but it's getting weaker. She is exhausted and goes limp a lot. She is no longer making attempts to stand or walk a few steps as she was.

The word "Marek's" is slipping into my brain.

Can a flock be so unlucky as to carry two avian viruses? (Rhetorical question.)

 

[ValerieJ]

Jules isn't doing well. It seems her leg should be getting stronger, but it's getting weaker. She is exhausted and goes limp a lot. She is no longer making attempts to stand or walk a few steps as she was.

The word "Marek's" is slipping into my brain.

Can a flock be so unlucky as to carry two avian viruses? (Rhetorical question.)

I am sorry to hear this. Is an avian vet available in your area?

 

[azygous]

I am sorry to hear this. Is an avian vet available in your area?

I live in rural Colorado not Silicon Valley, California. The only two vets in town only deal with horses and cows and cats and dogs. One vet has assured me he can euthanize a chicken for $5.

 

[ValerieJ]

I live in rural Colorado not Silicon Valley, California. The only two vets in town only deal with horses and cows and cats and dogs. One vet has assured me he can euthanize a chicken for $5.

It's the same here. I can get a float test done, but only for Coccidiosis. They don't check for anything else. So, if something goes wrong, I'm on here with a cry for help and then try everything. I still don't know what was wrong with Queen Bee earlier in the year. The one vet did a float test, said Cocci... and I treated everyone for that because of her, but she didn't get better. I tried antibiotics, nutridrench, and a couple other remedies that were recommended. Eventually she got well enough to rejoin the flock, but she has never been the same. I thought I would lose her several times.

I sure hope your little Jules gets better.