The Poultry Keeper

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

One of my black rocks is looking rather sorry for herself. For the last couple of days she has been taking herself off to bed before dusk (sometime between 6-7pm ish) and is standing away from the others (who aren't picking on her). She's not interested in any of the treats I've given the others - rice, salad leaves etc and I can't say for sure she is eating pellets or drinking. I can't easily isolate her. They were let out to free range on Monday and Tuesday and she seemed OK then - though I think that's when I first noticed her taking herself off to bed early. I know this sounds vague but has anyone got any suggestions...... I'm planning to worm them over the next 7 days but if she's not eating anything much this won't help her if worms are the problem.

Knobby · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 7:50 pm Post subject:

Im not sure if you can put "wormer" into something like live yoghurt ? But that could be worth a try to make sure she does get some in her ???

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Do broodies stay looking fit and well before they become broody? Her crown is looking rather limp (listing to one side) and already she is in for the night.

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

Broodies normally keep themselves in the nest box all day rather than go to bed early. Is she still drinking? Can you perhaps get some acv in the water at 2% ~ 20mls per litre ~ that might help to perk her up a bit

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

gave her a quick once over last night when she gone to bed - had left her alone previously because I didn't want to add to any stress - no sign of parasites on her, but she felt very light and when I checked round her vent to make sure there were no maggots it looked as if she had an infection or abscess because instead of looking pink it was white, dry and crusty - obviously the cause of her problems - so I'd decided to take her to the vet this morning - but unfortunately I've just found her on the floor of the coop dead. I feel bad because I should have checked her over ealier and maybe then she'd still be here but at least I know that the others perhaps having sensed her weakness weren't having a go at her. Thanks for your replies and suggestions anyway.