Off to the vet again I go

[VirginVegGrower]

As you know we lost Rosemary, then Madeline started to ail. For how ever many weeks it is - two I think - we have brought her inside, giving her little stretches outside. She lost a lot of weight, is going through moulting, gaining lots of new quills to legs and body. Vet gave Baytril two weeks ago but couldn't make a definite diagnosis. So far we have had some weight gain. Feeding her grated apple, oats, probiotic yoghurt and sultanas. We have tried corn too, pecks at some then stops. Strawberries and cucumber go down well but not even Kate Moss could live on just those. She sometimes eats boiled rice, then other times not. Won't eat chopped up egg. She is absolutely off layers - have even let it down in water. Won't touch garlic porridge - her favourite. Water has had ACV. Given or tried to, poultry spice. She had Nutridrops for three days and picked up but now appears to be weakening again. Poo has gone through bile bright green, watery nothing, then bright green again, duck coloured poo (dark green/sludgy), one normal poo then followed - yahay we thought until it was followed by green poo again.
So am off to the vets again this morning - think she thinks I am batty keep bringing in hens.
What other special recipes do you eggsperienced hensters have please. I have googled at length but am more confused than ever. Could she do with Tylan?
I am determined not to lose another without a fight. Talking of which she wriggled like hell when you try to get medicine or Nutridrops in.

Thanks in advance, as always.

PS The other two are (fingers crossed) fighting fit and bemused at Madeline's calls to their's through a bathroom air vent.

[RichmondHens]

Tylan is an antibiotic more commonly used for respiratory problems such as mycoplasma. I know my vet would probably give Baytril (for general cover) so if she has had that already with no effect then chances more won't be helpful. Ask if they can test a poo sample (take one with you in a clean plastic bag) for things like E coli, Salmonella, coccidiosis and worms so you might have a better idea of what you're dealing with, although if she is weak and not eating very much she may have already decided to give up. Soaked mealworms are a treat I've never known a chicken resist, so try those if you haven't done already but I would leave off fruit and veg as this will just make the runny poos worse.

[nellie-m]

There's something called "Bird Bene Bac", it is supposed to help restore the normal intestinal flora in the digestive tract - maybe worth a try? Especially after a course of antibiotics...
Have you tried giving her cottage cheese? Sometimes even poorly ones will take it.
It's difficult to give advice on medication if there is no proper diagnosis
I agree with RH that it's necessary to make more tests - and if your vet thinks you're crazy, look for a chicken-loving vet.

[VirginVegGrower]

She's gone. In less than 24 hours. The vet diagnosed a chest infection. Injected Baytril. Gave us a bottle of that and Vit B. we put her box back in the car and drove less than five minutes. I heard a scrabbling sound. We pulled into a car park and we had lost her...our beautiful human hen Madeline. She has been by our sides for two weeks pulling through, hand feeding and now this. I just don't know what to say or think anymore. To say I am devastated is an understatement.

[RichmondHens]

Oh, so sorry to hear it.

[jessmorris]

Oh no, how sad. You did your best, but sometimes when they have to go, they go.

[Nicos]

Big hugs xx

You clearly did everything you could- it's quite amazing how quickly they find their way so deeply into your heart isn't it?

Give her a little stroke from me .

[Suechooks]

Oh dear what a shame VVG
Sadly once they start to go downhill its a mammoth task to pull them back up. I think we've all been down the same path so truly understand the feelings of sadness and inadequacy when they just don't make it. Big {{{{{HUGS}}}}} to you all. You've done everything you can so just try now and remember Madeline and the good times you shared.

[nellie-m]

Oh that's sad news indeed. I'm so sorry. You did so much more than most people would have done, I'm sorry you couldn't help her. There's not much you can say - I know nothing really helps

[Bren In Pots]

Sorry to read your sad news VVW, you gave her your all and like Sue says try to remember the good times and not the events of the last couple of weeks.

[VirginVegGrower]

I just can't believe she's gone really. I just feel so devastated.

[Nicos]

She became a major part of your life over the past few days....you are going to feel a massive gap.
You didn't fail , so don't beat yourself up about it- you gave her a wonderful, tender end to her life.
Well done.
You should feel proud of yourself...sad??....yup- of course- cos you're a lovely caring person. xx

[polo]

Sorry to hear it. You did everything you could xx

[Glutton4...]

((HUGS)) from me and my Hooligans.

[binley100]

big hugs ........xx