Our hen now named Lazarus has had a change of heart. She was sitting the nesting box, lethargic, feeling sorry for her self, not eating. I didn't know what to do. She would drink but not eat. Her feathers were getting dry looking, kind of grayish. Her back wasn't healing. She looked pale and drawn. Very skinny girl. Not a healthy bird. I sat there thinking how pitiful she was. I felt so bad that the hen wasn't doing any better. I called Kevin from across the street to see if he could kill her for us. I just couldn't stand to see her suffer while starving to death. Kevin being the good neighbor that he is agreed to help us out. He was on his way over. I went out the the coop to check on her one more time. She must have heard the phone conversation. She was standing up drinking, ate most of the warm pellet mash/porridge and was looking actually chippy. Hmmmm........ She got her stay of execution. She is looking better today and even had the nerve to peck me on the hand when I lifted her out of the nesting box to get a drink. Nervy chick! Abbey our black cat diva spent last night at the vet. She was still throwing up yesterday, wouldn't eat and felt horrible. She had a barium swallow test to check out her gut. It's an X-ray with radiopaque dye to show any obstructions, malformations, etc. It doesn't look good. It could be one of three things. It can be a neoplasm (cancer), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or colitis. I can't put her through the pain and suffering of chemo and surgery. We are treating it empirically. She got a shot of prednisone which decreases inflammation and will improve her appetite and sense of general well being and will be started on a gastric motility drug called Sisapride, and an antibiotic, Flagyl. We will keep her comfortable and at home as long as we can. She was so happy to be back, Queen of her domain. She jumped back up on the dining table like she had never left. Her appetite was good, she ate both dry and wet cat food, drank water and was as beautiful as ever. The Diva is back. Long live the Diva. Much love from Mainely Ewes Farm.
Kelly
Tips for Staying Organized During the Holidays
21 hours ago
.jpg)
Posts
5 comments:
I do the same. When they told us Nitro had cancer and wanted to put him down then I said no. I brought him home with enough steroid shots for two weeks so he could be at home with his girls and kids. Those 2 weeks were the best but sadest weeks with him. I think of our animals as family and treat them as such. I just love the way you care for yours too!
You know, Laz sounds broody. Could that be a possibility?
So glad Diva is doing better, long live DIva! :)
I don't know much about chicken health - evidently they get very sick and perk back up quickly? SO terribly sorry about your cat - thank you for the kind words about our dog. Quality of life is the biggest issue for us and our animals. Hope the cat perks right back up bless y'all and stay warm
Hi Kelly, thanks for stopping by Bee Haven Acres. You wondered how guineas do in the cold...they seem to weather the winter fine. They are not especially fond of walking in the snow (just like our chickens) and spend most of their time in a melted patch. They are a lot of fun, have great little eggs, and keep us in stitches with their antics. Only down side to guineas is the ruckus. That being said...they are an excellent alarm system!
Have a great weekend!
I must say, I had the same thought as farm mom - broody maybe? I've got a broody right now acting in a very similar way - pale withered comb and will only eat/drink if I remove her from the nest. Just a thought..
How is your little Diva doing now? I hope she'll be ok.
Post a Comment