Laverne had been acting under the weather since Friday. She was not eating, not even her favorite treats. She would only sip some water throughout the day and would be the first one in the coop at night. When she was out in the yard the only spot she stayed was under the deck.
It was very hot for a few days last week and I thought the heat must have gotten to her. Maude and Charlie were fine.
On Saturday she hardly moved and just stood in one spot and kept swinging her head back and forth.
NOW I realized what was wrong with her! Duh... An impacted crop!
Source: The Chicken Chick @
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com
That's the little pouch where all the food goes until it's digested and comes out the other end as poop. Well, the old girl's sure was blocked - big time. Even though she is old, (and me, too) it was hard catching her. Bought her back to the pen, sat down and felt her crop. It was huge and squishy like a water filled balloon. Locked her in and went back to the house to get some water, a bit of olive oil and an eye dropper. In the meantime Charlie is going berserk in the yard because one of his girls is missing. Now Maude is squawking, too.
When I picked Laverne up again and squirted some olive oil and water down her throat, she threw up a most disgusting, smelly liquid all over me. She was fussing, so as I held her snugly and started to massage her crop. More gunk came up. I must have sat in the pen for at least an hour just doing that. I guess she felt better as she fell asleep for a while. When I put her back down, she had a long drink of water.
She seems fine now, was the first one out of the coop yesterday morning. She has a little bit of the runs (because of the olive oil) but is eating and drinking normally. I hope that was the end of her problem. Don't know what she picked up to eat, maybe one of those peeper frogs that are all over the place.
She's a nice old gal and I would hate to lose her - even though she doesn't lay eggs anymore.
Sometimes life around Coopville really isn't boring.....
Glad you saved the day!
ReplyDeleteGave her another dose this morning, Gorges. She's still blocked a little bit. 'Hope this one works!
DeleteGood to hear she is ok!
ReplyDeleteSo far, so good, Lisa! She hopped up on a branch in the pen and is sitting there preening her feathers. I won't let her out in the yard today so she doesn't eat anything she isn't supposed to.
DeleteI never had that one with mine. Good link! could have used it then.
ReplyDeleteYou're wise to keep her somewhat confined until you're sure she's ok again.
When are you getting your new pullets?
I've only had one other hen with it- Evil Ethel - and that was a few years ago. When they are out in the yard, it's hard to control what they pick up to eat. Most of the time, they're fine. Lots of good chicken info out there, now! (thank goodness)! :o)
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