Sadly Toffee is deteriorating quickly. We think she is coming to the end of her days. I researched yellow poop and it says that it can indicate a kidney problem.
I was happy to leave her as long as she was eating. Today she has spent most of her day in the chicken shed. When I gave the morning sunflower hearts she came out and picked at a few but with no enthusiasm.
At bedtime tonight she wouldn’t join in with the corn. She looked at it and returned to the shed. I put a dish of sunflower hearts in front of her in the shed and she hovered over it as if about to take one but it was if she couldn’t bring herself to. After a minute she returned to her corner of the perch.
She is pooping a lot of water or yellow poop. Emerald has been sitting in the shed with her at times yesterday and again today. These two came in together and it’s as if Emerald knows there is something wrong and wants to keep her company.
Emerald keeps Toffee company
Toffee and Emerald
I feel so sad at the thought of her going. As long as she was eating I was going to leave her but if she is going to spend all her time in the shed and she won’t eat then I know we will soon have the dreaded decision to make.
I know from past experience that when a girl won’t eat she has given up and it would be cruel to let her starve herself to death. We feel we must make the decision over the next few days.
Toffee is top girl and has such a lovely nature. She has never bullied the other girls and has always been a shy and cautious girl. She always had the habit of being vocal when the treats ran out. Every day she would make her mournful sound when the seeds or corn ran out which makes it even more sad to see her refusing them now.
I have a lump in my throat right now so I am going to end here but I knew I had to write this post tonight.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
Oh, I’m so sorry. How sad.
It is sad for me as Toffee and Emerald are the bantams that have been with me the longest and are the eldest. I suppose in one way I should be grateful that she is the first that will probably go from age rather than anything else. Some how that doesn’t make it any easier though.
It also seems to have all come at once with losing Caramel, trying to get Pebbles well and now Toffee going down hill so fast. I am feeling very sad tonight.
Sorry to hear this. Does look like Emerald knows and is keeping her company, but you’re right about the horrid decision you’ll have to make.
I know. We talked about it again this evening and have agreed that we don’t want to rush it too soon but also we can’t let it drag on and see her suffer. We need to come to a decision over the next few days. I know it can take weeks for a hen to starve herself which we don’t want but we don’t want jump on it too soon either. It is horrible to make the best decision and get the timing right for Toffee.
I am so sorry to hear this,I know myself this is the most hardest thing when keeping pets.It is allways heart breaking. We are thinking about you.I know how hard you take it.
Richard said tonight that he always knew this was how I would be (a bit tearful tonight) and wondered if having pets is good for me. As you know, it is how it is. You love them and wouldn’t want to not have them because of the heart break when you lose them but it is all part of having pets. They give you so much pleasure but it’s so hard when you have to make this kind of decision.
I’m so very sorry – you seem to have had a run of difficulties and, despite being understandably emotional, you are making sensible decisions about Toffee’s future, in the right sort of timescale. Sometimes, the hardest decisions are the kindest. Will watch for updates.
Thank you. It does seem to all have all come at once at the moment. I am feeling emotional but I also know that I have to make the right decision for Toffee over the next few days.
So sorry Carol. Thinking of you and Toffee xx
Thank you. It is always a difficult decision but I know it is part of having chickens that we have to do what we think is best for our girls. I am struggling at the moment with the thought of letting Toffee go but I know that I must do what is best for her. I will see what she is like tomorrow and try to come terms with doing my best for her. I am tearful right now but am so appreciating the support of the comments. xx