Lots of concerns about one chook :( RIP Ezy

MrsM · **Joined:** Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:51 am **Posts:** 163

RIP Ezy

She was suffering enough, so I took her down to the Bird Clinic in Knox. It turns out she had something called "egg yolk related peratinitis" - something along the lines of an ectopic pregnancy and subsequent infection. They only knew this for sure after they gave her an autopsy so its not very likely anyone would have picked it up early enough to treat. Still, sad news.

If there is a silver lining, it is that its not infectious, and there is nothing we did/didnt do that caused the problem. Sometimes chickens just develop the issue apparantly. If anyone had caught it earlier (via xrays or scans I suppose) the solution would have been to give her a chicken hysterectomy so she would never produce eggs.

Every time hubby rings me I burst into tears because I feel like its my fault, like I didnt do enough and was too ignorant of chook behaviour/ailments to know any better. I feel like I let her down :'(

Thanks everyone for all your advice and help, I appreciate it even though the outcome wasnt so great.

Hens and Hobbits · **Posted:** Fri Mar 16, 2012 7:40 pm

Dear MrsM,

My sincerest and deepest condolences. Chooks become part of your family, like a dog, cat, cockatiel, budgie or rabbit, chooks become part of our lives and you of theirs.

Don't be afraid to cry :cry:

, it really does help, release your emotions, bottling it up doesn't help at all. Please don't blame yourself. Sadly these thing happen in life with both humans and animals. Having experienced both miscarriages and stillbirth somethings were never meant to be and I have learn't a very hard way to accept this; things like this happen in nature to challenge us and become stronger people, it may seem harsh but have gone through this personally...We learn over time to deal and cope with the situation and NOT blame ourselves.

Ezy spent her last days with someone who truly loved, cared and nurtured her, you were a posititve in her life and did all that was humanly possible for her.

MrsM · **Joined:** Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:51 am **Posts:** 163

Thanks, Hens and Hobbits. I have looked into it a little and I am thinking perhaps the stress of moving brought it on. Thank you for sharing your experiences, I cant imagine the emotional trauma things like that would bring so thats put it in some perspective for me.

Hens and Hobbits · **Posted:** Sat Mar 17, 2012 6:22 am

Hi, MrsM,

Hoping that I was of some help, death is part of life, and we all grieve and learn to move on as best we can, most important thing is not to blame yourself and feel guilty.

We only have two hens left so I am going to wait until Spring before getting anymore girls, it's too cold and wet up here.

Take care and good luck.

MrsM · **Joined:** Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:51 am **Posts:** 163

I have two left now as well. I looked at the calendar last night and Bagee is now 20w old, so she should start laying any day. Dot is still laying her egg every day without fail so if all goes well, we'll be getting 2 eggs a day soon. I think 2 a day is enough for the moment but I am still considering getting a blue Australorp at some stage, maybe later in the year.

Hens and Hobbits · **Posted:** Sat Mar 17, 2012 7:45 am

We of start of with grand chook dreams and things start to go wrong, remember tomorrow is always a new day.

"Raising chickens makes a difference: in your heart and spirit, in the lives of others around you...

When the going gets tough, return to your centre. Go and sit under an apple tree and stroke a hen. Let her crooning remind you of all that is real and sacred. Remember to 'express your true nature in the simplest, most adequate way and to appreciate it in the smallest exisitence' and all will be well.

May the eggs be fresh, the hens happy, the grass green and may all that you do be blessed."

From Zen and the Art of Raising Chickens The Way of Hen
Clea Danaan

Petite Poulet · **Joined:** Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:17 pm **Posts:** 5219

May Ezy Rest In Peace in Chook Heaven [smilie=a_angel.gif]

with Hedwig [smilie=a_flyaway.gif]

So

to read of Ezy's illness and death.

Maybe you can get 2 Australorps, one is a lonely number when new, they can be friends and keep eachother company whilst they get to know Dot and Bagee.

Elle Jay · **Posted:** Sat Mar 17, 2012 11:10 am

MrsM wrote:

RIP Ezy

Every time hubby rings me I burst into tears because I feel like its my fault, like I didnt do enough and was too ignorant of chook behaviour/ailments to know any better. I feel like I let her down :'(

I am so sorry to hear of Ezy's death MrsM. I know how you feel as we lost our Pancake a month ago, she didn't even look sick, just had watery poo and hadn't been laying. I still feel like I should have known something was wrong and I feel like I let her down too. I so miss seeing my two girls together in the backyard, they were best buddies and inseparable. We have a new chickie (about 14 weeks old now) but Book still chases her if she gets too close.

I really think you did eveything you could for Ezy, even the vet didn't know what was wrong. Ezy had a happy life and you did your very best for her, that's all anyone can ask. [smilie=hug.gif]

MrsM · **Joined:** Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:51 am **Posts:** 163

Thanks

Dot and Ezy were always together when we first got them, then when we added Bagee and Hedwig, those two were together as well. Now its just Dot and Bagee but I am glad that they have eachother. I dont think Dot is going to pick on Bagee for very long, since Bagee is actually noticeably larger in every regard.

I did plan on having 4 chickens, but now I am thinking 3 would be more than enough. 3 eggs per day is more than we need. When I do get one more I think I will get a blue Australorp, that way all 3 chickens are different from eachother and no two can gang up on another for standing out.

Petite Poulet · **Joined:** Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:17 pm **Posts:** 5219

Maybe your future 3 girls may need one little Lavender Araucana Cockerel to keep them company...I know that you would take very good care of one of my boys.

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Lots of concerns about one chook :( RIP Ezy

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