Dirty diva, chicken experts please chime in :(
Our take
In the whimsical world of backyard chickens, even the most cluck-tastic caretakers face challenges that can ruffle their feathers. The recent Reddit post detailing Copper's unfortunate plight reminds us that being a chicken owner is a rollercoaster of emotions—full of joy, love, and the occasional head-scratching dilemma. The author, who affectionately refers to Copper as a "dirty diva," has navigated a tragic coyote attack and now finds herself in the midst of a health scare with one of her beloved ladies. This situation resonates deeply with many in our community, especially those who have shared similar experiences. If you’ve ever wondered about the quirky dynamics of chicken ownership, check out our related posts like What are we thinking with these two Ameraucanas? and New coop coming along for more insights into the fabulous adventures and occasional misadventures of chicken life.
The real heart of this dilemma lies in the broader conversation about chicken health and wellness. While the community has rallied around providing advice—from the use of ACV in their water to the inclusion of unsweetened yogurt—what stands out is the emotional investment that owners like our Redditor have in their feathered friends. Copper’s condition serves as a reminder that even with diligent care, chickens can face health issues that leave their owners feeling helpless. The author’s fears about isolating Copper to prevent further stress highlight a common concern among chicken owners: the balance between health management and emotional well-being. It’s a delicate dance that many can relate to, especially with a flock that’s been a part of the family for years.
In addition, the importance of community support in these moments cannot be overstated. The Reddit platform provides a unique space for individuals to share their fears, triumphs, and lessons learned. Engaging with others who have navigated similar struggles fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie that can be incredibly reassuring. Moreover, this incident sparks a conversation about preventative care and the significance of regular health checks for our birds. Perhaps it’s time to examine our own practices and consider how we can better support our feathered friends. How often do we check for subtle signs of distress or illness that could prevent larger issues down the line?
As we follow Copper’s journey, it’s essential to remember that the health of our chickens is intertwined with our own emotional journeys as caretakers. Each cluck, each peck, and each moment spent with our flocks strengthens the bond we share. The outcome of Copper's situation will not only offer valuable insights for our Redditor but also for all of us who cherish our backyard flocks. Will Copper bounce back to her fabulous self, or will this be a turning point that encourages us all to reevaluate our chicken-keeping practices? One thing is for sure: as we continue to support and learn from each other, we forge a path toward better care for our beloved feathered friends. Let’s keep the conversation going and embrace the quirks and chaos that come with our chicken-loving lives!
| | Hi everyone! I will try to include as much info as possible given our current situation. I’ve had my chicken Copper for five years. Up until now the only causalities we’ve had with our backyard flock (started with 6, now have 3) has been due to a midday coyote attack. My dad was in the front yard and by the time he heard the commotion we had unfortunately lost 3 ladies. It was very devastating and we no longer allow them to roam unless a human is constantly surveying the backyard, in addition we now always blare loud music while they’re out on the town. Over the last 5 years they have been in great health up until now. We have never had roosters, just ladies in case that matters 💅 We provide grit with their feed, their main feed is Grubbly Farms fresh pecks layer feed (16% crumbles) oyster shells, cracked corn, and on occasion we feed them oats and grubbly farms mealworms as a treat. We keep their coop very clean. On Friday we noticed our friendliest lady, Miss Copper, had a poopy butt. My dad came to the conclusion that she had a yeast infection or vent gleet. We have added ACV to their water but their water is always fresh, I believe they have a well rounded diet, clean living quarters, and I’m not sure what they could be stressed about. We checked and cleaned the other 2 ladies on Friday as well, though their bottoms weren’t as poopy and their cloacas were not inflamed. What we have done so far: cleaned and dried all 3 ladies on friday, added ACV to their water Today: cleaned Copper, cut a few feathers and applied monistat to her and the other 2 ladies. The other 2 ladies are far more skittish but we checked their behinds and wiped them, then applied monistat. I attached a photo of Copper’s inflamed cloaca. I have been able to gently remove the poop/etc from her rear feathers and surrounding area, but there is a hard mass on her cloaca. We soak them in epsom salt for five minutes before cleaning to soften the area but even after doing so and using dawn soap to clean the area, the white mass is still very stuck. I am afraid if I try to force it off it will take flesh along with it. My question is what are some changes we can make to cure this and prevent this from happening in the future? I read that you can give them unsweetened yogurt, if there’s anything else we can do please let me know. I think we should isolate her until it clears up but my dad is afraid it’ll stress her out. Our current plan is to continue cleaning, drying and applying monistat every day until it clears up? Is there anything other than ACV and unsweetened yogurt we can add to their diet? The ladies egg production and general demeanor has remained the same, they are always in good spirits and happy to see us. :( Copper is not a happy camper in the last photo, that’s me drying her off. Any advice is greatly appreciated so my ladies can return to their fabulous usual selves. [link] [comments] |
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