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Disabled Juvenile Hen
http://www.australianpoultryforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=59065
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Author:  Doolan [ Mon May 26, 2014 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Disabled Juvenile Hen

Just how much can we allow our chickens to put up with a disability before we intervene?

My girl was born late Feb with gnarly distorted feet but was fiesty and lovable and got around the coop just as fast and with the same gusto as her brother same age....now in May I see her legs developing knock knees and she struggles each day but throws herself into my arms and is a true delight....i am willing to do anything to give her more support in her legs..seems to be losing strength just at the joint which i can only describe as her knees i guess.. Almost like her legs are broken but being held up by elastic bands...eats well, seems happy.

What are your thoughts?

Author:  Chicka-Dee [ Mon May 26, 2014 8:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Disabled Juvenile Hen

Hey D

That's up to you to judge my dear.

Only you know the true gravity of the situation you are dealing with, with your little one, and if you need to make a "decision" for what to do about her quality of life in the future.

Some people would say "don't be cruel, put her down", others would say "surely there are things you can do to help/save her".

I say if you can help her by strapping stints or something else to help give her support then it could definitely be worth a try.

But that's me: because if I spent three months caring for this little bird, then I would continue with everything I could think of to help her. :-D

Cheers
Chicka-Dee :-D

Author:  Doolan [ Mon May 26, 2014 8:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Disabled Juvenile Hen

Thanks as always Chicka-dee...the hard part of putting it 'out' there on forums is you gotta suck it up if judged and i am happy to do that..

I am just such a big woosie ...soft as, when it comes to my pets but I will take it on the chin if she looks like suffering.....i will put her out of her misery....but....having said that chick....she is the happiest hen in my flock.

I cant see it improving without strapping so i will start gently strapping tomorrow..i feel sick about it..

You know when my other girl had prolapse i never thought she would survive but three days of constant nursing and shes fab now...so hopefully i can improve on this new challenge...

My husband is totally fed up as we are supposed to be renovating and i spend hours in the hen house...

icon_gaah! ..........will keep you posted xxxxx

Author:  andrewschooks [ Tue May 27, 2014 6:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Disabled Juvenile Hen

I agree with C-D its all up to you on that one

Author:  PoultryDan [ Tue May 27, 2014 5:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Disabled Juvenile Hen

I also agree with Chicka-Dee, it's really an issue about quality of life which only you can know.

Can understand your dilemma, it's so easy to become attached to them icon_gaah!

Author:  Doolan [ Tue May 27, 2014 7:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Disabled Juvenile Hen

Yeah....know where everyone is coming from but I want to give her a chance, watched her for several long spells today, threw food long distances and watched her run and beat the others to the treats...not pretty but she gets there ok...

Have been massaging and need to preen her and scratch her all over because she cant stand on one foot..she can dust bathe and get up and down from rolling in sand ok.

Will get extra calcium and vitamen drops tomorrow too.

Will try to post small video

Thanks all xxxx

Author:  Chicka-Dee [ Tue May 27, 2014 9:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Disabled Juvenile Hen

Doolan wrote:
threw food long distances and watched her run and beat the others to the treats...not pretty but she gets there ok...
She sounds like a real little Aussie battler :-D

Love a good underdog story, even if it it doesn't always turn out the way you want it to.

Would love to see a vid D [smilie=a_goodjobson.gif] , just be sure you don't put her under too much stress to get the treats as it may exacerbate/worsen her condition. Remember birds will try & be the same as the others so they don't appear to be weak & get picked on. If you make her run when she struggles with walking then you could be putting her under undue duress.

Sorry :( , not trying to sound preachy or anything like that.

Just giving you another take on things. ;)

xx

Author:  Doolan [ Wed May 28, 2014 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Disabled Juvenile Hen

no just cannot work out how to do this.......what extension should the video have.....wont let me on mp3 or mov.

does not seem to be instructions on FAQ...only for images that I can find anyho????

Author:  Chicka-Dee [ Wed May 28, 2014 8:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Disabled Juvenile Hen

Doolan wrote:
no just cannot work out how to do this.......what extension should the video have.....wont let me on mp3 or mov.

mp what conf665 , what's an mov? Are you missing an 'e' at the end of those letters?

Girrrrl, you just speakin' french to me :lol:

Video's are a techy thing, you're on ya own ;)

Author:  Doolan [ Wed May 28, 2014 8:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Disabled Juvenile Hen

Ha ha...will have to just post photos instead.....

She is so gorgeous Chick..i am going to try my very best for her...we spent a nice long time today preening and scratching all her body and she makes the best sounds ever......her sibling who I named Tess has turned into Testicle at this stage so need to find yet another home for one of my babies....

[smilie=a_chuckle.gif]

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