BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 11:48 AM

PA-

After an appropriate mourning period, you might consider singing the parody song "Ghost Chickens in the Sky."

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: GUEST,ib48
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 09:18 AM

the local quack was simply referring to its animal mate you humerlous dip shit

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 09:08 AM

Honk.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: freda underhill
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 08:50 AM

PA - how's your chicken going?

freda

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: freda underhill
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 09:38 AM

Down in the hen house on my knees,
I thought I heard a chicken sneeze,
But it was only the rooster sayin' his prayers
Thankin' the Lord for the hens upstairs…

Seriously though, PA, maybe if your chook's feeling seedy and out of sorts, she could do with some Yoga for Chickens..

After practising some of the ancient vedic techniques (Salute to the Seed, the Beak, and simple mastication on a mantra), she should be feeling much better, in fact hopefully so much better that she'll be able to do the The Chicken Song..

good luck,

freda

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The PA
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 06:47 AM

Yee Gods!   

What have we take in!

We've got 4 pairs of buzzards in the woods - best keep an eye on Roger(thats his name)thanks for the warning.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 06:06 AM

An unwanted black cockerel? Probably not wanted because of its associations with witchcraft (the bad double double, toil and trouble cartoon version) or voodoo... very sought after are black cockerels in some places.

If you find him flat on his back with his feet in the air, check for buzzards overhead and go listen to Jake Thackeray's 'The Cock'.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 05:10 AM

"Try the local quack"

It's a chicken, not a duck...

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The PA
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 04:59 AM

LilyFestre : she was an ex-battery I think they use Warrans.

When she arrived she had no feathers, bad feet and no beak. We had to teach her to perch once her feet grew straight, (that had its lighter moments - she just kept wobbling and falling off) we hand fed her until her beak grew back (they cut them off so that they cannot peck eachother) and she wore a baby grow until her feathers came through. We had her for about 5/6 years and at least she had a peaceful end. The rest of the flock are a mix of all sorts, Sussex, Marrans etc and a beautiful back cockerel that no one wanted. He's not a problem to the flock as all the ladies are bigger than him and boss him about.!

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 06:22 PM

Sorry to hear about the chuck, but glad you made the right decision.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: GUEST,ib48
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 03:23 PM

Try the local quack

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 03:20 PM

PA,

I'm sorry about your hen. :( What kind was she?

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 12:32 PM

PA-

It certainly seems to me you went the extra mile for the poor hen. I would of seriously considered wringing its neck but I doubt if I could do that if my shields were down.

Too bad. I was curious if the 3-wheeled chariot would have worked.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 12:21 PM

Oh that IS too bad, PA.

By now you have probably realized people will continue to come to this thread and not read it all, and not know what has happened, and just post in reply to the first post. :~(

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The PA
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 11:53 AM

Kat and Sooze - thanks for the kind words.

Yes its a pity some humans are not treated with the same consideration some of us give our animals

Kat - can I call you Kat - Yep we have an orchard 'bout half an acre, and most of the trees are growing on ex-pets and animals which have come to us over the years. With the fox population around here we usually make sure they're are far enough down and then fill in the hole and just below the surface put a layer of stones and then finish with the original turf. Seems to work OK. Glad the dog made it.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: GUEST,darn this cookie thingy - ella who is sooze
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 11:37 AM

Sorry about this the PA, not good when you loose ANY animal though.

BUT, just a word of warning for you. Localy around near me, a woman had to get the vet in to tend to her pet turkey - unfortunately it had to be put down also. And, like you, she buried the turkey, in what she thought was a deep enough grave.

Unfortunately, her retriever dog, then later decided to dig up the turkey, and ate pretty much most of it. Another problem then - the barbituates that they'd used to euthanase (sp) the Turkey were still present in it's carcass. So, the poor dog also had the effects of the drugs used. It wasn't good, and was hit and miss for a while for the dog. The vet eventually worked out what the problem was and was able to treat it. The dog made full recovery - but was close.

So, make sure you bury her deep enough - especially if you have dogs.

All the best

Sooze

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 10:47 AM

Sorry to hear she didn't make it, PA. Probably for the best, though. As to the cost, well...everyone should be able to pay so little for the dignity of being let go in such a humane way. It's good karma for you.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 08:32 AM

If you feed chicken soup to sick children,
































then logically you should feed children soup to sick chickens... ???!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The PA
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 06:41 AM

Well Giok, those have got to be just about the worst puns so far.

Thanks all for your concern and advice and information, I never know there were so many chicken people out there.

Now then one of our horses has a bit of a cough, ............ no, I think I'll leave it there!

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 05:31 AM

Well it's sad, and I'm sorry to hear that she's run out of cluck, but she had a good run for her money.
As for the £29.90, it's only chickenfeed after all.
Giok.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The PA
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 03:16 AM

Sorry to inform you that last night the chicken took a turn for the worse. Breathing became a problem and started shaking and twitching and unable to hold her head up.
Took her to the vet, who agreed that the best thing was to put her to sleep, she had got considerably worse by the time we had got there. So she's no longer with us, and will be popped under a tree in the orchard, along with all our other ex-animals just as soon as the ground softens up a bit. However, I think the chicken had the last laugh, it cost me £28.90 at the vets!

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 08:03 PM

Good for you, PA, for the horse and battery rescues!

I know she only has two legs, but maybe she could use her beak and some version of one of THESE to get around or at least be above her poo?

There are also all kinds of help aids for paralyzed pets that may help.

Good luck,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 07:53 PM

I suppose one could design a circular carriage, kind of what some parents give to young children learning to walk. The body would be suspended by netting attached to the circular rim but the legs would stick out below and might propel this 3-wheel carriage. Lord knows where this hen would propel it of course, but you might inspire it to try a particular course by sprinkling some favorite food in front of it. Then again you may have better things to do with your time than impowering a chicken while amusing the Mudcat world.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Rasener
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 07:02 PM

Mine was a serious post Giok, but you certainly made me laugh with your post :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 06:50 PM

Have you tried changing her battery?
G.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Rasener
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 06:46 PM

PA
I don't know anything about chickens, except eating them. However a thought just came to mind.

Couldn't you make a sort of cradle sling for it, that is above ground level, that allows the legs to dangle, but supports the body, but also allows for the chickens bum to be free so it drops it below so it isn't sitting in it.

A wierd idea maybe, but if the bird isn't able to sdtand and walk, then why can't you do that, but make it such that it is really comfortable.

Am I mad :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 06:24 PM

So does the Chuck get a chance? A week maybe??

LTs

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Metchosin
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 11:45 AM

I had the same problem with one of our chickens years ago PA. The kids insisted we keep her in a box inside too and after about a week, lordy, lordy, she arose and walked. I think she was a tad younger than your bird though. If I recall correctly, she was right as rain until she eventually met up with a mink.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 10:55 AM

If she stops eating and if she starts to drop feathers you will know she is feeling stressed. But ultimately, it's up to you how much time you are going to put into this. If she had this disability within her normal free-range life, she would very quickly become prey.

I think the decision has more to do with your feelings than hers-- and there's nothing wrong with that. If you want her to live by the law of free-range chickens, put her out with the flock and let nature take its course. If that's too hard, then I would put her down and not look back.

I had a duck hit by a passing car, a glancing blow that tore up her back end. We had a lot of joy with our ducks, individually and as a flock.... She was still managing to get around to try to follow the rest of the flock, but I put her down because I knew she could not move fast enough to avoid nighttime predators or the next car, and had no way of adapting to her reduced mobility-- brain too small to think like a people. It was quick and painless, though I made a mess that upset me deeply.

We've had other farm animals that had to be put down-- I let Hardi do it now, because he's better at it.

Just be kind to yourself about whatever you decide-- it isn't easy, either way.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The PA
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 09:18 AM

Hi Charley, yep if you put your finger out she'll grip on to it with her claw and if you push the palm of your hand against both feet, she'll push back with her legs, but when you put her down she just flops over!

Its the thought of her spending the rest of her days in a box that I cant get my head round.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 09:15 AM

Warm water on her bottom two or more times a day should deal with the poop problem and she'll get more used to it, and may even welcome the attention, especially when you include a back and neck rub.

Do her legs still have any sense of feeling? I'm guessing that they do and that's it's whatever regulates her equilbrium that's shot.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The PA
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 07:55 AM

Our vet said there was no sign of any stroke-like symptoms or damage to her spine. Although she does not seem to be distressed, she has lived all her life as part of an organic, free range flock and we cannot tell how suddenly being in a house with all the noises and lights etc, and no other chicken company, is affecting her. Washing her was the only way to get her clean, and that was distressing for her. Is it reasonable to expect her to put up with that every day. (because of the way she is, she is effectively sitting in her poo all day - sorry to those of a sensitive nature). And she hasn't produced any eggs since last Friday. That is what I meant by her future quality of life.

Two of my three horses are rescues, one of which is now 34 and still going strong. Half of our flock are ex-battery hens, which were destined to be turned into pies. So I certainly agree with you completely that everything deserves a chance, but when do you decide its time to call it a day.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 06:23 AM

No sign of a brain tumor or something pressing on the spinal column? Nerve damage or a stroke??

Is she in any distress or pain? If not, then having her as a house hen shouldn't be a problem, she'd probably be pecked to pieces or go into a decline and starve if she were put outside again. If she's happy, not in pain and doing everything else that chickens do, then I'd say you've got yourself an indoor egger. Give her a week or so at least, just in case it cures itself. I'm not for unnecessary suffering in animals but everyone deserves a chance.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The PA
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 03:14 AM

Chicken still cant stand but seems perfectly OK in every other respect. What we have to decide now is that if she continues like this, sat in her box, is she having any better a life than a battery chicken in its cage. Have spoken to a bird expert and our vet, and whilst neither of them can put their finger on the problem, both of them say they doubt if the condition is treatable.

Also last night we had to wash her bottom, for obvious reasons, which she did not enjoy. Is this a reasonable quality of life.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 05:15 PM

...she looks so relaxed and cosie in her box, being waited on hand and foot...

That sounds like a smart chicken.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Schantieman
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:26 PM

As Giok says, chicken soup is definitely the answer. Cures anything.

You heard about the Jewish woman who had two chickens?   One of them got sick, so she killed the other one to make chicken soup for it.

Way to go.

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: ranger1
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:45 AM

A friend of mine had a chicken that had a stroke and she became "Henrietta the House Hen" and lived out the rest of her life happily in a small pen in their entry-way.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The PA
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 06:49 AM

Oh absolutely, I've told Mrs Hen she has to wash her feet before getting under the duvet. Only joking! Yep being surrounded by animals it comes as second nature, we probably keep Johnson and Johnson in business. Let you know how it goes, should hear from the vet at lunch time.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 06:21 AM

Well I hope you are taking special care of yourself hygiene wise just in case.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The PA
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 05:39 AM

Hi Villan, no, no hoax just really strange.
Checked the other chucks (all 25 of them) this morning all fine. Must admit she looks so relaxed and cosie in her box, being waited on hand and foot, or is that wing and claw ! Waiting to hear back from my vet friend.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 04:53 AM

Glad you posted PA as I was beginning to think that Guest Guest had posted a hoax.

I sincerely hopr for your sake, that everything turns out OK

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 04:48 AM

If chicken soup is affectionately known as Jewish Penicillin, might it not be cured by feeding soup made from something Kosher?
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: The PA
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 03:29 AM

It was my original post. Posting from another computer so no mudcat name.   Anyway, many thanks for the replies just working my way through.
We've ruled out bird flu, we kept hens for the best part of 20 years so know a little bit about them.
The hens is around 5/6 years old.
She's still alive this morning and acting completely normal, eating, drinking, clucking etc. Even has a go at the dog as its walks past. Just cant stand up.
Will check out Marek's Disease (neurolympdonictosis).
Our friend is a vet she took a look last night, but had to admit she's never come across anything like this before, usually because if a hen is not performing it meets its maker long before it meets the vet. She's going to do some research today and get back to me.

Many thanks for all the replies I'll let you know how she goes on.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:10 PM

Because you ATE the bird's RIGHT wing, right?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: bobad
Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:07 PM

Human Zoop - good for what ails your chicken?

This message brought to you by the "Left Wing Free the Chicken Movement"

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Slag
Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:02 PM

Chiskin Zooop. Good fer what ails ya.

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:57 PM

You gotta pluck 'em after they hop in the boiling water? Shoot... I thought that was when the stewing started. Them feathers is nootritious!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Jan 07 - 09:18 PM

I know.... Jus' messin' wid ya. Slag...

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: Slag
Date: 21 Jan 07 - 08:55 PM

Buck, buck, buck-aaaack! Shirley, you know I was just jest-stating!!?

Subject: RE: BS: Sick Chicken Any Advice?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Jan 07 - 08:38 PM

Ok...kind of not pleasant...but we burn any birds that died due to sickness....burn barrel. *cringe* I hate to do it but it keeps us safe and the other animals too.

Michelle