It's looking bad....:(

[lizzylemon]

.....she of the impacted cop no longer has an impacted crop....but when I went to let them out this morning, she couldn't stand up.

I've put some food and water close by and hope that she gets a little of each but no one seems to know what's wrong, not even the chicken farmer. Lack of vitiamin D perhaps, genetics perhaps, bad luck for sure.

I'm a bit worried that I've caused it by over massaging her crop or some sort of internal damage by making it move too quickly into her gut

BTW - they all seem to have tiny little black specks on their combs and wattles - mites? I doused them in louse and red mite powder when we had that warm weather so I'dve thought not. Not frost bite as the flesh drops off with frostbite and it's not cold enough for frost bite.

[minskey]

aww I'm sorry for you, I'm not an expert but could the marks on thier combs be where they have been pecked. I'm sure someone who is much more help than me will be along but I'll send a big ((((hug)))

[pipscariad]

I can't help I'm afraid, as when it comes to chooks ailments I'm useless, but having not been around much on Rule the Roost I missed your post t'other day and just wanted to wish Hendrix well. Having livestock is all very well, but when they're poorly it's such a worry isn't it? She doesn't sound good, but I hope she pulls through. Good luck.

[NSB]

Im no expert, but i read some where about natural yoghurt to speed up their diegestion. I give mine a little with some cereal every week.

I read also that an impacted crop makes their breath smell? and to hold them upside down so they can be sick!!!

[Marthaclematis]

Oh dear, I do hope she gets better, I don't really know anything about chickens but my nieces husband is after keeping some and I keep passing on info to try and encourage her to let him. What is the crop?

[lizzylemon]

Despite the fact I have a poorly one at the mo, I definitely recommend having chooks, the eggs are amazingly better than shop brought, they're funny creatures and relevantly easy to keep.

Heres a chook anatomy - it shows where the crop is!

[Nicos]

Oh dear...I was hoping she'd b better by today

My answer to most illnesses - is give plenty of water...she may be dehydrated ( they drink about 1/3 to 1/2 pint of water a day...it's a lot!!)
No harm in trying if shell take it ( dip her beak in the water if she's not very willing...she may change her mind.)

I imagine she would have died if you hadn't been there to try and help her...so don't beat yourself up...she may yet pull through due to your care and attention!

Keep up updated xx


Oh- and the black specks will most likely be mites...my cockerels have them regularly- they drop off after a few days...and then climb aboard again a few days later...they must hide in the grass.

[lizzylemon]

Oh- and the black specks will most likely be mites...my cockerels have them regularly- they drop off after a few days...and then climb aboard again a few days later...they must hide in the grass.

That explains why I'm itchy after I've handled her - blurgh!

[chicken slave]

Oh- and the black specks will most likely be mites...my cockerels have them regularly- they drop off after a few days...and then climb aboard again a few days later...they must hide in the grass.

I have found a good layer of petroleum jelly works wonders on the mites, but as Nicos said there mates just jump back on there, so regular application is necessary. I do this about once a fortnight when they are all roosted for the night, the OH always says that I'm going to put the girls cold cream on (men!!!!)

I hope she gets better it seems really strange, unless massaging the crop has loosened the food and she now has a bit of a poorly tummy just till it makes it's way through.

[MaureenHall]

I do hope she pulls through Lizzie. Big hugs, and well done you for looking after her so well

[HayleyB]

Oh dear Lizzie, the best you can do is to get water into her I use a small shallow bowl and touch the beak with the water and it sometimes gets them to drink. Doesn't sound good though, good luck and many {{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}

[davefromthechipie]

As a novice on this i can only give you my best wishes and hope she gets better .Try not to feel bad you done what you can.
hope it works out
David

[Birdie Wife]

Fingers crossed for Hendrix.. how is she today?

[lizzylemon]

I just wanted to say a very big but quiet (out of respect to Mr Brown) thanks for all your best wishes and kind thoughts. They seemed to have worked as Hendrix seems to be a bit better today. Her tail is up and she walked out to get some corn (i know i know but i didn't think before it was too late) although she didn't stand for long and took her self back inside after a while.

[HayleyB]

Now that is promising, much better news fingers crossed she'll feel stronger tomorrow