Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[bgmathteach]

I posted this elsewhere today and meant to post it here, I'm all sad and distracted.

Just found dear, dear Popcorn dead in the nest box.

It looks like she died suddenly, sitting on the fake eggs and one real one, which may or may not be hers. Stroked out? No sudden poop anywhere, her comb looked good, just kicked some hemp away and curled her head down and was lying on her side, eyes closed.

I feel thankful it seems that it was quick. She really wanted out of the run to forage when we went by to go on our walk this morning, but she was all talkative and seemingly her usual self.

She was a favorite, so personable, friendly and smart, very responsive to me showing and telling her things, and digging the garden with me in the spring, for instance.

I am unsure whether to try to get a necropsy. What are you opinions? There's a history of respiratory illness with her sister Hazel mostly, but Popcorn had some symptoms too, but never got treated. They both have displayed slightly bubbly eyes at times since then, Hazel more than Popcorn. Then there was whatever Annie had which was the same with different symptoms, or something else (bad conjunctivitis- practically bleeding eyes, sneezing) that the other Spuds also had - just sneezing - but to much lesser degrees. Annie survived but only with antibiotics. Is it a good idea to see if Popcorn succumbed to one of these diseases? Information that would be helpful going forward?

She's been lively, no indication of her unable to breathe well, she would run and dig like crazy, no napping, good self-care preening, but she had loose poop for two weeks or more. Very active, wanting only to forage in the last few days, not sitting in the nest box as if she were half broody and not laying. I'm sure she was hungry as she didn't want to eat much feed at all. Her neck had started a molt, which had seemed halted. I still felt concerned for her loose stools, which I was checking visually - found a whole pumpkin seed there a couple of days ago, which was concerning. This morning on the poop tray her poop was wet as it's been, with small poop squiggles as it's been, normal urates, normal darkish color.

I had given her a sponge butt bath & blow-dry inside yesterday, followed by almost a whole salt-free sardine, which she loved. I thought, if "wild" protein is what she'll eat, then okay, and inside the house she didn't have to compete with the three piranha Spuds for a good share of it. Checked her keel, she seemed under-conditioned for her normal weight, but not super skinny at all. She really only wanted to eat protein & fats - foraged worms and skinks and frogs, and some small amounts of oats, walnuts, sunflower seeds and mealworms as treats. They did get a little cooked farro recently.

I'm sad, I miss her already. She was four years and three months old. Hazel looked at her a few times and poked her comb once after I brought her out, and Annie, they were friends, seemingly tried to rouse her, trying to move her head a bit with her beak.

I'm so sorry, @ChicoryBlue

I don't have a suggestion as to whether or not you should have a necropsy.....

It is sad that they are missing her, too, but also nice that you let them see that she is gone, so they will know and grieve in their own way - but with closure as opposed to her just disappearing.

 

[rural mouse]

I posted this elsewhere today and meant to post it here, I'm all sad and distracted.

Just found dear, dear Popcorn dead in the nest box.

It looks like she died suddenly, sitting on the fake eggs and one real one, which may or may not be hers. Stroked out? No sudden poop anywhere, her comb looked good, just kicked some hemp away and curled her head down and was lying on her side, eyes closed.

I feel thankful it seems that it was quick. She really wanted out of the run to forage when we went by to go on our walk this morning, but she was all talkative and seemingly her usual self.

She was a favorite, so personable, friendly and smart, very responsive to me showing and telling her things, and digging the garden with me in the spring, for instance.

I am unsure whether to try to get a necropsy. What are you opinions? There's a history of respiratory illness with her sister Hazel mostly, but Popcorn had some symptoms too, but never got treated. They both have displayed slightly bubbly eyes at times since then, Hazel more than Popcorn. Then there was whatever Annie had which was the same with different symptoms, or something else (bad conjunctivitis- practically bleeding eyes, sneezing) that the other Spuds also had - just sneezing - but to much lesser degrees. Annie survived but only with antibiotics. Is it a good idea to see if Popcorn succumbed to one of these diseases? Information that would be helpful going forward?

She's been lively, no indication of her unable to breathe well, she would run and dig like crazy, no napping, good self-care preening, but she had loose poop for two weeks or more. Very active, wanting only to forage in the last few days, not sitting in the nest box as if she were half broody and not laying. I'm sure she was hungry as she didn't want to eat much feed at all. Her neck had started a molt, which had seemed halted. I still felt concerned for her loose stools, which I was checking visually - found a whole pumpkin seed there a couple of days ago, which was concerning. This morning on the poop tray her poop was wet as it's been, with small poop squiggles as it's been, normal urates, normal darkish color.

I had given her a sponge butt bath & blow-dry inside yesterday, followed by almost a whole salt-free sardine, which she loved. I thought, if "wild" protein is what she'll eat, then okay, and inside the house she didn't have to compete with the three piranha Spuds for a good share of it. Checked her keel, she seemed under-conditioned for her normal weight, but not super skinny at all. She really only wanted to eat protein & fats - foraged worms and skinks and frogs, and some small amounts of oats, walnuts, sunflower seeds and mealworms as treats. They did get a little cooked farro recently.

I'm sad, I miss her already. She was four years and three months old. Hazel looked at her a few times and poked her comb once after I brought her out, and Annie, they were friends, seemingly tried to rouse her, trying to move her head a bit with her beak.

 

[notabitail]

I posted this elsewhere today and meant to post it here, I'm all sad and distracted.

Just found dear, dear Popcorn dead in the nest box.

It looks like she died suddenly, sitting on the fake eggs and one real one, which may or may not be hers. Stroked out? No sudden poop anywhere, her comb looked good, just kicked some hemp away and curled her head down and was lying on her side, eyes closed.

I feel thankful it seems that it was quick. She really wanted out of the run to forage when we went by to go on our walk this morning, but she was all talkative and seemingly her usual self.

She was a favorite, so personable, friendly and smart, very responsive to me showing and telling her things, and digging the garden with me in the spring, for instance.

I am unsure whether to try to get a necropsy. What are you opinions? There's a history of respiratory illness with her sister Hazel mostly, but Popcorn had some symptoms too, but never got treated. They both have displayed slightly bubbly eyes at times since then, Hazel more than Popcorn. Then there was whatever Annie had which was the same with different symptoms, or something else (bad conjunctivitis- practically bleeding eyes, sneezing) that the other Spuds also had - just sneezing - but to much lesser degrees. Annie survived but only with antibiotics. Is it a good idea to see if Popcorn succumbed to one of these diseases? Information that would be helpful going forward?

She's been lively, no indication of her unable to breathe well, she would run and dig like crazy, no napping, good self-care preening, but she had loose poop for two weeks or more. Very active, wanting only to forage in the last few days, not sitting in the nest box as if she were half broody and not laying. I'm sure she was hungry as she didn't want to eat much feed at all. Her neck had started a molt, which had seemed halted. I still felt concerned for her loose stools, which I was checking visually - found a whole pumpkin seed there a couple of days ago, which was concerning. This morning on the poop tray her poop was wet as it's been, with small poop squiggles as it's been, normal urates, normal darkish color.

I had given her a sponge butt bath & blow-dry inside yesterday, followed by almost a whole salt-free sardine, which she loved. I thought, if "wild" protein is what she'll eat, then okay, and inside the house she didn't have to compete with the three piranha Spuds for a good share of it. Checked her keel, she seemed under-conditioned for her normal weight, but not super skinny at all. She really only wanted to eat protein & fats - foraged worms and skinks and frogs, and some small amounts of oats, walnuts, sunflower seeds and mealworms as treats. They did get a little cooked farro recently.

I'm sad, I miss her already. She was four years and three months old. Hazel looked at her a few times and poked her comb once after I brought her out, and Annie, they were friends, seemingly tried to rouse her, trying to move her head a bit with her beak.

We have done necropsies and it is worth it to see if you can figure out what happened.

 

[Sylvester017]

It depends on the type of hawk. Coopers hawks are known to hunt in/through shrubbery and heavy brush. Goshawks also!

Cooper's hawks are common in our community. The Spring fledglings come around watching but w/ no flight space in our yard & brambly thorny Citrus & Pomegranate trees in the yard the hawks can't reasonably fly into or out of those particular trees. Lemon, Grapefruit, & Pomegranate trees look innocent but are densely leafed & have numerous nasty sharp thorns down every branch & budding twig ~ not conducive for perching or flying thru ~ a large bird like a Cooper's has never entered or perched on these trees in our small yard. However the hawks love the less dense leafed trees like Eucalyptus, Maple, or Magnolia trees in other yards or along highway landscapes.

When harvesting fruit or pruning our thorny trees they have torn up our hands & arms even w/thick long leather gloves. The base of all these trees are encircled with rabbit fencing to keep the hens from getting close to the trees yet they will hide behind the shady trees against the block wall apparently feeling safe to do so.

The only time we've seen a Cooper's hawk on the ground is on the street clutching a sparrow in one claw while tearing off pieces w/ its beak only after catching the sparrow in mid-flight first.

 

[Sylvester017]

It depends on the type of hawk. Coopers hawks are known to hunt in/through shrubbery and heavy brush. Goshawks also!

They also adapt to the environment/terrain they're in as well. Too many humans in our neighborhood, small yards, & Crow murders, so not too much threat from our Cooper's population.

 

[Ponypoor]

Monday Mugs

View attachment 3965393View attachment 3965394

Is HRH moulting? Tis the season.

 

[Sylvester017]

Yes. The hawk that attacked my lot, dropped vertically down through the branches.
And I have been out walking in the woods and seen a hawk navigate through everything to grab a rabbit.
Not what I have here - but Eli the Goshawk is amazing (and scary) to watch. Think I have posted this before - but still worth watching again:

Owls fly even better & so silently its spooky!

 

[Ponypoor]

I posted this elsewhere today and meant to post it here, I'm all sad and distracted.

Just found dear, dear Popcorn dead in the nest box.

It looks like she died suddenly, sitting on the fake eggs and one real one, which may or may not be hers. Stroked out? No sudden poop anywhere, her comb looked good, just kicked some hemp away and curled her head down and was lying on her side, eyes closed.

I feel thankful it seems that it was quick. She really wanted out of the run to forage when we went by to go on our walk this morning, but she was all talkative and seemingly her usual self.

She was a favorite, so personable, friendly and smart, very responsive to me showing and telling her things, and digging the garden with me in the spring, for instance.

I am unsure whether to try to get a necropsy. What are you opinions? There's a history of respiratory illness with her sister Hazel mostly, but Popcorn had some symptoms too, but never got treated. They both have displayed slightly bubbly eyes at times since then, Hazel more than Popcorn. Then there was whatever Annie had which was the same with different symptoms, or something else (bad conjunctivitis- practically bleeding eyes, sneezing) that the other Spuds also had - just sneezing - but to much lesser degrees. Annie survived but only with antibiotics. Is it a good idea to see if Popcorn succumbed to one of these diseases? Information that would be helpful going forward?

She's been lively, no indication of her unable to breathe well, she would run and dig like crazy, no napping, good self-care preening, but she had loose poop for two weeks or more. Very active, wanting only to forage in the last few days, not sitting in the nest box as if she were half broody and not laying. I'm sure she was hungry as she didn't want to eat much feed at all. Her neck had started a molt, which had seemed halted. I still felt concerned for her loose stools, which I was checking visually - found a whole pumpkin seed there a couple of days ago, which was concerning. This morning on the poop tray her poop was wet as it's been, with small poop squiggles as it's been, normal urates, normal darkish color.

I had given her a sponge butt bath & blow-dry inside yesterday, followed by almost a whole salt-free sardine, which she loved. I thought, if "wild" protein is what she'll eat, then okay, and inside the house she didn't have to compete with the three piranha Spuds for a good share of it. Checked her keel, she seemed under-conditioned for her normal weight, but not super skinny at all. She really only wanted to eat protein & fats - foraged worms and skinks and frogs, and some small amounts of oats, walnuts, sunflower seeds and mealworms as treats. They did get a little cooked farro recently.

I'm sad, I miss her already. She was four years and three months old. Hazel looked at her a few times and poked her comb once after I brought her out, and Annie, they were friends, seemingly tried to rouse her, trying to move her head a bit with her beak.

Oh no I am so sad to hear this. Over 4 yrs old, and seemingly good energy amd health. I would also be leaning towards some sort of cardiovascular issue.

A necropsy is always valuable, if you have a trusted lab who can do this I would get one done. It can also tell you other things that may affect you flock such as parasites and and intestinal worms.

Gosh how sad though, your feathered friend has passed away, my old Sharpie passed away last Tuesday she was over 6 (extremely old for a production breed), I am hoping they are both flying free and hunting up many tasty morsels

 

[Sylvester017]

Mr P has been picked at again on his rump. And soaked with blood yet again. Those rootin toottin hens.

I cleaned him up the best I could, and sprayed him with some Alu-spray, and his topknot with some Blu-Kote.

That’s it - that.is.it. He is no longer allowed to go out with any of the hens except his original gals. At least until spring. Poor Mr P

How often Mr P has been pecked it's a wonder infection never set in poor baby. Separation from the offenders sounds smart.

 

[featherhead007]

I posted this elsewhere today and meant to post it here, I'm all sad and distracted.

Just found dear, dear Popcorn dead in the nest box.

It looks like she died suddenly, sitting on the fake eggs and one real one, which may or may not be hers. Stroked out? No sudden poop anywhere, her comb looked good, just kicked some hemp away and curled her head down and was lying on her side, eyes closed.

I feel thankful it seems that it was quick. She really wanted out of the run to forage when we went by to go on our walk this morning, but she was all talkative and seemingly her usual self.

She was a favorite, so personable, friendly and smart, very responsive to me showing and telling her things, and digging the garden with me in the spring, for instance.

I am unsure whether to try to get a necropsy. What are you opinions? There's a history of respiratory illness with her sister Hazel mostly, but Popcorn had some symptoms too, but never got treated. They both have displayed slightly bubbly eyes at times since then, Hazel more than Popcorn. Then there was whatever Annie had which was the same with different symptoms, or something else (bad conjunctivitis- practically bleeding eyes, sneezing) that the other Spuds also had - just sneezing - but to much lesser degrees. Annie survived but only with antibiotics. Is it a good idea to see if Popcorn succumbed to one of these diseases? Information that would be helpful going forward?

She's been lively, no indication of her unable to breathe well, she would run and dig like crazy, no napping, good self-care preening, but she had loose poop for two weeks or more. Very active, wanting only to forage in the last few days, not sitting in the nest box as if she were half broody and not laying. I'm sure she was hungry as she didn't want to eat much feed at all. Her neck had started a molt, which had seemed halted. I still felt concerned for her loose stools, which I was checking visually - found a whole pumpkin seed there a couple of days ago, which was concerning. This morning on the poop tray her poop was wet as it's been, with small poop squiggles as it's been, normal urates, normal darkish color.

I had given her a sponge butt bath & blow-dry inside yesterday, followed by almost a whole salt-free sardine, which she loved. I thought, if "wild" protein is what she'll eat, then okay, and inside the house she didn't have to compete with the three piranha Spuds for a good share of it. Checked her keel, she seemed under-conditioned for her normal weight, but not super skinny at all. She really only wanted to eat protein & fats - foraged worms and skinks and frogs, and some small amounts of oats, walnuts, sunflower seeds and mealworms as treats. They did get a little cooked farro recently.

I'm sad, I miss her already. She was four years and three months old. Hazel looked at her a few times and poked her comb once after I brought her out, and Annie, they were friends, seemingly tried to rouse her, trying to move her head a bit with her beak.

What a horribly sad story. Wow, I’m so sorry this happened to Popcorn. She was such a character and so loving. I can’t even imagine how you feel now. My condolences to you for your loss and friendship always with me. So sorry CB.