The Poultry Keeper

jooles

Rosie, my Maran Cuivree, had a problem with her eye on 23 Dec. It looked as though she had maybe got something in it or had been pecked or something. She was closing it and it was slightly sunken. She was very subdued. We brought her in and gently bathed it and it now looks absolutely fine. But she is still very quiet and subdued. She has been eating and drinking but not with her normal gusto and when I go to put out the corn and treats in the afternoon she doesn't run about in a frenzy with the others - she just has a little peck here and there. What do I do? Should I bring her in and keep her in a box in the warm? If I do bring her in will I have a problem returning her to the flock? Would she be more stressed by being on her own in a strange place?
Very worried and don't know what to do. Crying or Very sad

NannyP · Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 1:10 pm Post subject:

I have no idea what could be wrong Jooles, but since the weather is so cold, and if she is feeling unwell, I would bring her in for a while so that she can use her energy for healing rather than keeping warm. She'll be fine and shouldn't have any real problems being re introduced.
Hopefully, whatever is happening, will show itself over the next day or two Confused

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Jooles, bring her in as NannyP says. Then start her on a special diet to build up her immune system. I was given the following from a poultry vet over there...

1 part layers pellets/crumbs
1 part canned cat food
1 part yogurt

Then in the water alternate daily with ACV and a vitamin/electrolyte supplement. Feed this for a week.

If she continues to go downhill while on the diet, I would get her into the vet asap.

HTH,
Deb

jooles · Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 6:02 pm Post subject:

Brought her in this afternoon and she has sat in the box quietly all afternoon. She hasn't eaten anything other than some corn from my hand.

I will try her with that mixture you suggested Deb in the morning. What should I get as a vitamin/electrolyte supplement? Are there any names you can recommend?

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

I only know American brands. Someone should be along soon though.

jaydee67 · Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 6:25 pm Post subject:

I've got a product called Battles Poultry Booster from my feed supplier. Also used Poultry Booster available from Labtec Ltd, phone 01270 214004 and a friend gave me some Battles Poultry Spice. Try a google to see if you can find supplies nearer you.

jooles · Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 6:29 pm Post subject:

Thanks Jaydee, I'll try and get some in the morning.

Lisa · Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 7:20 pm Post subject:

Its important to make sure she gets enough water too. Dehydration is a serious problem. Just like us they can go a lot longer without food than they can without water. If she's not drinking herself you'll need to syringe some water into her mouth, little and often.

I'd personally go for a vitamin and mineral supplement if you can get one. I've used Guardian Angel, from the Bird Care Company. Its not cheap, but is very comprehensive. Their website has a list of retailers - hope you find someone near you if you're interested (do ring first though, if you find someone, to check they have in stock what you want before setting out).

Labtec do one called Poultry Boost but that's only vitamins. And Poultry spice is, AFAIK, just minerals. But there are others too. Thornes might stock something like that? Probably best to see what you can get locally ie quickest...

Live (bio) yogurt gets the thumbs up from me too - full of all those good bugs to help settle any digestive problems.

And another thing I would personally mix in the feed of a poorly chook would be fresh, crushed garlic as it has many medicinal properties which should give her immune system an extra boost. Dosage is a bit of guess work, but I'd go for about 1/4 of a clove per day (not all in one go!)

Hope your TLC does the trick and Rosie is soon on the mend.

jooles · Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 8:01 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that Lisa. Would the garlic supplement I give to my horse be any good? It's Dodson & Horrell.

Bit nervous of syringing water, but will give it a go. Where do I get a syringe from?

It really shows how little you (I) know when something like this happens Crying or Very sad

jooles · Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 8:07 pm Post subject:

Have just encouraged her to drink some water by herself, and she took quite a bit, so that's good.

Lisa · Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 8:48 pm Post subject:

I think an animal garlic supplement should be fine (I'm assuming its just garlic, nothing else added?)

To give a non-drinking chook water I would use a plastic syringe *without* a needle. My vet gave me some for free, but I've seen them for sale in a local animal feed place. And then I'd either just dribble a little water at the front of their mouth to see if that encourage them to drink, or put the syringe well into their mouth, past the hole at the base of their tounge, and slowly squeeze the water out and down their throat. IIRC I think an average chicken needs 125ml of water a day. (Although I always wonder how they work that out?)

(If you have a drinking straw, you can also use that. Put in a glass of water to fill. Put finger over one end to keep the water in. Get in the right place in chicken's mouth and remove finger to release water....)

Good news she's drinking herself with your encouragement - less stress for both of you Wink

Pete&Jackie · Joined: 03 Sep 2005 Posts: 209 Location: Hertfordshire

I would get in touch with labtec and order some poultry boost and some gar rich (apple cider vinegar with macerated garlic). If you phone them on 01270 214004 they will get it to you next day. Worth having anyway.

As for the poultry spice, Thornes sell it, but I think they are only open Saturdays for the next month or two.

Hope all goes well.

Our chooks stayed in their run today, even though I opened it up for them to range... didn't like the look of the snow obviously!! Rolling Eyes

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

sorry to hear of your problems Jooles, hope your girl picks up again soon with all your care.

Heather · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:23 am Post subject:

You can get a 5ml oral syringe (no needle) from any chemist . the horse garlic is fine - I use the powder in my girls fodd - shaken up well to coat the pellets

HTH
Heather

jooles · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 10:10 am Post subject:

Thanks for all your help everyone.

Rosie has drunk a whole bowl of water this morning with ACV and, I don't like to speak too soon, but I think she's looking a little perkier. Have given her some mash with yogurt which she's not too interested in at the moment. I put a few grains of corn in it to encourage to try it and she's had a few pecks. Haven't got any cat food yet, got rid of it when our last cat died at the beginning of this year.

My horse garlic supplement is just garlic so I'll bring that home when I go to the farm today. I have an animal feed suppliers close by who have just started supplying some poultry equipment. I'll see what they've got in the way of poultry boost.

So fingers crossed, I'll see how things go.

thanks again everyone.