Here's a new experience for me- You know how much I love my animals. Each one has it's own beautiful personality, right down to the chickens, so when one of the hens started walking like a penguin, I knew what was wrong. I, also, knew that saving her would be virtually impossible- but of course, I have to try.
So, here is Donna (short for Madonna) taking a hot chicken bath. Donna is egg bound, and her prognosis isn't great. There's all sorts of advice on the internet.... dealing with KY jelly (I'll let you imagine) complete with DIRE warnings of what happens if you happen to break the egg inside the chicken ("infection leading to a horrible death"- and that's a direct quote).
Setting the hen in a hot water bath for 20 min at a time, seemed the easiest route, AND the chicken seemed to enjoy the entire experience. She even closed her eyes, once she settled in the water.
Of course, I had help.
Hobbes monitored the proceedings.
So, now we wait. I'm hoping she'll pass the egg on her own. The internet says to give her a couple of hours, and then, try the hot bath again.
So far, it hasn't worked.
But the cats are keeping me posted.
Take a second and send this sweet hen your healing thoughts. She deserves it. She's one of my sweeties.
