What did you do with your flock today?

[MaeM]

I think liking human company a lot is in the genetic makeup of Isa brown/warren hybrids so I wouldn't worry unduly about her liking being with you so much. Every ex-battery hen (all Isa browns) I've had has been that way even though they've all been well integrated as a flock. Connie was actually at the top of the pecking order but she enjoyed spending more time in my company than with the flock.
It is probably enhanced by feelings of loneliness in Bianca's case but you have a special bond and she loves you so she's probably happy enough. Have you tried separating Ruby and her from the rest of the girls for a longer period each day, maybe just have the two of them walking with you as chaperone? See if they can bond again that way? It might be that Ruby is still trying to establish her place in the pecking order after her illness and that's why she's being mean right now.

Yes, in fact, at first I only let Ruby be with Bianca because of the relationship they used to have. Bianca is the kindest and she wouldn't be stressful for Ruby.

But Ruby reacted aggressively to her presence every single time. It's not only a "get out of the way" peck, she chases her and pecks her until she is far from her, and it's not even about food or water.

Today, Ruby wouldn't even let Bianca dust bathe with the others so I locked her in the laundry room, lol.

The barred rocks are at the top of the pecking order but do not misbehave that much when the rooster is present. I just wish the rooster would intervene when Ruby attacks Bianca.

 

[Nomadicus]

I'm calling in a conference call with my free rangers that meet me in the mornings. We are going to have a meeting of the minds. Flying up onto the porch has got to stop unless they get the pooping over with before they do. Just because I have a pressure washer doesn't mean I want to use it.

 

[ChicksnMore]

I think a broody is apples and oranges. One, not sick and trying to heal. Two, They do get off the nest to gorge till lock down. They loose a ton of weight, get mites a d molt after. So. Meh.

The 30 mils was shared with me and I have had great success using it as a guideline. If my chook is slightly off food I syringe feed 30mils. I mix a protein powder, vits, electrolytes and meds into a shake like consistent slurry a d suck up 10 mils into a syringe with a 1/8 × 2.5" tube fastened to the tip- I also burn the tip to get rid of any sharp edges. This I insert down the throat.
You'd have to be careful with your gal as she may have sustained an unknown injury... but I gently lift beak up giving me a clear shot to get 10mils down their throat.
It has helped me help my chooks overcome some pretty fatal stuff ♡

That sounds like your feeding directly to the crop. Am I understanding correctly? If so, no wonder it's so helpful to the birds. Any tips or tricks to make sure you're in the right tube so your not squirting food into the lungs? I've seen that done but never did it myself and it's been too long ago to remember how to be sure you're not getting their windpipe. I've always been too afraid of messing up to try it myself. Absolutely wonderful that you do that!

 

[MaeM]

Yes, in fact, at first I only let Ruby be with Bianca because of the relationship they used to have. Bianca is the kindest and she wouldn't be stressful for Ruby.

But Ruby reacted aggressively to her presence every single time. It's not only a "get out of the way" peck, she chases her and pecks her until she is far from her, and it's not even about food or water.

Today, Ruby wouldn't even let Bianca dust bathe with the others so I locked her in the laundry room, lol.

The barred rocks are at the top of the pecking order but do not misbehave that much when the rooster is present. I just wish the rooster would intervene when Ruby attacks Bianca.


View attachment 3676845

Ok, Mabelo (the rooster) finally intervened! He called them both to eat and gently pecked Ruby's head when she tried to intimidate Bianca. I hope she learns that she must not fight with her sister!

 

[ChicksnMore]

You could let some fruit ferment....Is the 30 ml food, or water? A broody can go weeks without eating, right? More watery poo this morning, with some solids. She ate a little oatmeal liquid, and had her electrolytes. Trying about every 2 hours for hydration. Does that sound ok?

When I have a bird that's struggling to eat I usually get some Gerber's multi grain baby cereal and some kitten formula powder. I add them in equal portions with a little kefir (yogurts good too) or probiotic capsules I can open and shake some out of. Then water or electrolytes. I reduce the kitten formula as they improve. Both kitten formula and kefir are low lactose and easy to digest plus have high protein...and kitten formula has vitamins and micronutrients added. That makes a good formula for raising baby doves as well, and you added a little bird seed as you go until they're being fed mostly seed with just enough formula to let it go down easy.
Sure hope she makes it. Your doing wonderful for her.

 

[ChicksnMore]

I made a video:

Love your coop! One of your birds has the same name as me too

View attachment 3676422

Today I "cooked" some dinner for Bianca. She is skinny . I think it's because she is molting (she has bald patches) and, as a chronically ill hen, she is at the bottom of the pecking order and I'm not sure the others are letting her eat as much as she should.

So these days, I'm feeding her inside the house at least once a day. I make sure that she eats at least one full plate of scrambled eggs and high protein feed. As a dessert, she got banana today.

Any other ideas?

I will most likely talk to her vet anyway, and I'm thinking about separating her from the flock permanently. The other hens are bigger than her, and they are not being nice to her.

Sounds like you're doing good for her . I also add multiple feed/water bowls if I have someone getting picked on. I also add hiding spaces they can't get trapped in...just things so they can duck out of sight for a second then come back out the other side. Breaking up line of sight can help.

 

[TropicalBabies]

That sounds like your feeding directly to the crop. Am I understanding correctly? If so, no wonder it's so helpful to the birds. Any tips or tricks to make sure you're in the right tube so your not squirting food into the lungs? I've seen that done but never did it myself and it's been too long ago to remember how to be sure you're not getting their windpipe. I've always been too afraid of messing up to try it myself. Absolutely wonderful that you do that!

I'm terrible with words and explaining myself... . Yes, direct feeding sounds great, straight to the crop. 10mils 3 x a day. Some use a longer tube, 6", but the 2.5 works great for me... maybe it is closer to 3...?
My chooks let me know if the tube is going astray. Straightening the neck helps me to simply and carefully slide it down. Practice makes pretty good. I've never gone down into the esophagus (touch wood) that could be deadly.
But yes, very helpful. I can't do a vet for the chickens. My sweet husband would have a herd of cows .
Pretty sure there is info on BYC about syringe feeding. For me, it has been THE game changer. Keeps my chooks from starving to death while trying to get better ♡
I also add probiotics, colloidal silver, whatever I think needed. Depends what is going on with the chicken.

 

[ChicksnMore]

I'm terrible with words and explaining myself... . Yes, direct feeding sounds great, straight to the crop. 10mils 3 x a day. Some use a longer tube, 6", but the 2.5 works great for me... maybe it is closer to 3...?
My chooks let me know if the tube is going astray. Straightening the neck helps me to simply and carefully slide it down. Practice makes pretty good. I've never gone down into the esophagus (touch wood) that could be deadly.
But yes, very helpful. I can't do a vet for the chickens. My sweet husband would have a herd of cows .
Pretty sure there is info on BYC about syringe feeding. For me, it has been THE game changer. Keeps my chooks from starving to death while trying to get better ♡
I also add probiotics, colloidal silver, whatever I think needed. Depends what is going on with the chicken.

Absolutely wonderful. I'll have to read up and next time it's needed I'll get brave and give it a try. The lady that used to do that at the rehab always made it look so easy, but did all the forced feedings herself and warned about the aspiration risks. She didn't trust anyone else to do them period. Made me nervous about trying it.

 

[Nomadicus]

Yesterday a good neighbor that I supply with eggs came over to introduce two of his grand kids to chickens. I gave them each a slice of bread to give to a few of my pets and they had so much fun. Made me feel really good and reminiscence when I was a kid and my grandfather got chickens for me.

 

[TropicalBabies]

Yesterday a good neighbor that I supply with eggs came over to introduce two of his grand kids to chickens. I gave them each a slice of bread to give to a few of my pets and they had so much fun. Made me feel really good and reminiscence when I was a kid and my grandfather got chickens for me.

Oh my gosh, too cool ♡♡♡
It's one of the things that make getting old a little easier to deal with. You get to be quirky with chickens and such, and it's cute. ♡♡♡ I say, go with the quirky ♡