When you homestead, sometimes things go smoothly and easily, but quite frequently, challenges pop up.
I say 'challenges'. Many people would say 'problems', but I try to look at things from the point of view that issues can be dealt with and are very often learning experiences.
This morning I got a panicked phone call from a neighbor.
She called to say something was very wrong with one of her chickens. It was laying around, lethargic, it had a strange 'white covering' over its eyes... Very strange.
Now, our neighbors aren't really homesteaders, per se. We live in a rural area, and they keep about a half dozen chickens in their backyard. Poultry illness really isn't in their realm of expertise.
That's where I come in, apparently.
I'm the resident chicken expert, since I have quite a few chickens and have dealt with some situations over the past few years.
Disclaimer: I have no more knowledge than the average homestead chicken keeper. More than the average person, perhaps, but that's about it.
Here she is, poor, miserable thing.
Generally speaking, chickens are hardy animals. They aren't susceptible to much, if you keep them clean and healthy, but when they are THIS sick, they generally don't make it. I know this. Here's the thing though. If a creature needs help, I feel like I have to at least try.
Here's what I do when presented with an animal in this condition.
- First of all, evaluate the animal.
Her eyes were just closed, the white covering was her eyelids. She was extremely emaciated and dehydrated. She had a messy bottom, low body temperature, and her crop felt strange, probably due to the dehydration. - Next, figure out your plan of action.
Now, many things could cause these symptoms, and without lab testing, we can't know for sure. I set her up in a warm area in a cardboard box, and began giving her dropper-fulls of an electrolyte solution containing colloidal silver, (in case of infection), molasses, salt, and cinnamon, every few minutes.
It looks a little gross, but this is a winner solution that has helped many weak animals recover.
Now, all we can do is wait. Either she will perk up, or she won't.
That's the way it is sometimes. When you homestead, sometimes the animals die. It's a part of life. You do the best you can with the animals; sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Honestly, I am pretty sure we started working on this ol' gal too late, but we will give it our best shot anyway. If it's her time to go, well, I have lots of hens outside running around. I'll help my neighbors out and replace her so they can continue getting fresh eggs.
It's all part of being a good neighbor, right?!
As always, thank you for reading, and have a lovely day!
badges courtesy of @daddykirbs
Thanks for all the well-wishes guys.
Unfortunately, I was right, and it was too late to save her. She passed away earlier today.
oh my, so sad. Poor little thing.
Bless your heart for doing what you could for her.
And really nice how you laid out this post, with the steps to take and the magic chicken potion recipe.
Thanks!
Thought it might help someone else. I have used it successfully before on chickens and other animals. The 'recipe' sometimes varies, depending on what I have on hand and what the animal is doing, but the results are good.
I'm gonna keep it in mind to hand to others with animals.
Something that no matter how many time it happens it just doesn't get any easier. We use colloidal silver for our animals and ourselves with great results. We have had a few hens end up like that and the best thing you can do is try and make them comfortable. It is almost like they appreciate the company. I have even felt like at times that some of my animals waited for me to come home and sit with them or hold them why they passed like they wanted to say good bye.
That's how I feel too.
My neighbor was concerned that the other chickens would peck her to death, and didn't want that.
We do what we can do, and that's about it...
That's so heartbreaking. At least she'll be comfortable in her last few hours, if she doesn't make it.
True... That's what I was thinking.
Nothing gained if you don't try.
Exactly.
Do let us know if the hen makes a recovery! We've had one just turn up dead one day, now and then, over the years. It's always a bit of a shock.
Yes, sometimes they have things wrong inside them and we have no idea until it's too late... Animals tend to hide their sickness, and unless you watch VERY closely, you have no clue.
It happens from time to time, and it's sad, but you just have to deal with it.
♥