UPDATE : Matilda died late last night. 🙁 The Girl said… At least she got to die at home all nice and warm. She was a great pet chicken, and I couldn’t agree more. At least she got to die at home with us near her side.
************************
This morning I called the vet and made an appointment to have our dear sweet Matilda euthanize. The Girl and I talked about it and decided it was the best thing for her. Matilda legs have basically been paralyzed for 4 days now, she won’t open her eyes, hold her head up or really even make any noises. We wanted to put her out of her misery. I thought she might have Marek’s Disease.
On days 2, 3, and 4 we used a syringe to give her food and water. As much as I would have liked to have taken her to a vet, the HH pointed out that Matilda was a chicken, and spending hundreds of dollars on one chicken that was likely going to die anyways, was not something he wanted to do.
It’s a chicken. I know it’s your pet chicken, but it’s a chicken.
So here I am, a suburban housewife, with this dying chicken. As much as I want to think I could tough it out on a real farm, I don’t think I could ever cull a chicken. Nor would I want the HH to do it either.
He offered, but I said no. I would rather pay to have a vet put her to sleep for $50 then have my daughter know her dad {basically} killed her pet chicken.
So this afternoon, I grabbed a box from the garage. I placed a towel on the ground and started to clean Matilda up {she had a little dried oatmeal around her beak and in her feathers and I didn’t want to show up at the vet with her that way}. I wiped her sweet little face down, and then poured warm water over her vent to remove anything that may have been there.
And then it happened.
2 soft shelled eggs dropped from her weak little body.
Poor Matilda was egg bound this whole time.
I checked her over the first night I brought her into the garage and there were no signs that she was egg bound. 2 eggs had been stuck inside her. The poor, poor thing.
As soon as those eggs dropped to the ground, she wiggled her legs and I started crying.
Matilda!
I immediately cancelled the appointment for the vet.
The way I see it is this. There is nothing a vet can do for her {I asked}.
Yes, she will probably die.
But as long as I can keep her clean, warm, hydrated and fed, who am I to give up hope.
~Mavis
Shirley Hazlett says
What more can one ask in this life…than to be loved~ Fare well, Matilda~
Lisa says
If the eggs came out with membranes and no shells she may be ok. You might try the ol’ Dr. Jelly Finger trick. Put on a rubber glove and lube a finger up with vaseline and insert it into the vent to try to loosen up any further eggs that might be bound. The shells are formed right before an egg is laid so if they are coming out without shells then something in there is working properly. It is when an egg has broken inside that you have problems. I am guessing these are some of her first eggs since she is from a late hatch last Fall. It takes time sometimes for chickens to get their egg laying groove on.
Tanya Peila says
Stay strong Matilda! (And Mavis!)
Dianna says
Mavis, you are a very kind person with a very kind heart.
Jana williamson says
I have no experience with chickens but feel your pain of the illness and the right decision to make. I do hope she pulls through. Just for future information. Out local animal control euthanizes pets of city members for free. I did pay $50 to have this done for a pet dumbo rat before I found this out though, so I do understand your calling the vet for your chicken.
Kathy W says
I know it really isn’t the same thing, but this happened to a parakeet of ours. Had her for 9 1/2 years, thinking she was a he (hard to sex albino parakeet let me tell you), then she started dropping eggs. Had to remove them from the cage every 4 days or so, no male bird around. Then she became egg bound. Very sad to watch. Hope Matilda, with your TLC, does recover from it.
Lisa says
Kathy, We had a parakeet that died from this too. Very sad to see and I’m sure it’s painful for them. Before that happened we did have 3 successful baby parakeets born and they were the cutest little things!
Thrifty Mom in Boise says
If you suspect she may still have another egg stuck you can put her in a tub of warm water and let her sit in it for 15 to 20 minutes and it will help her pass the egg or eggs. Often times doing this a couple times for a few days will help her get back on track. Worth a try.
Pam Lyon says
I hate to hear this. At least you know what it was now. Are you supplementing your hens with calcium? Laying eggs takes a lot of it. If you aren’t already doing so, you might try giving Matilda an electrolyte solution.
michelle g-b says
It’s the shell part that’s stuck inside– that’s why she’s dropping eggs with just membranes. I don’t think there is anything that can be done. Sorry. 🙁
Cyntha says
You were smart to notice no shells. I wonder if giving her a warm chicken bath would help any to get the shells out too. I read about the chicken baths at this url. http://communitychickens.blogspot.com/2012/08/chicken-bath-101.html
Emily says
This is good solid advice from the Chicken Chick..
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/search/label/eggbound
Hope Matilda pulls through!
Kristina says
I know nothing about chickens but I am so sorry!! I hope your little chicken is okay and she is doing better!! I am so glad your not going to the vet!!! I”ll pray for her!! Thank you for sharing this story.
Sarah says
LIVE, MATHILDA! LIVE!
Lynda Whittle says
I have a Rhode Island Red who is in the same predicament right now. I lost one in December to the same condition. I give them “spa” treatments with warm water baths and massages, but so far, it’s not working. I hope Matilda pulls through–at least the eggs came out.
Mari says
Oh u big softy, but I completely agree with you. I was like that when our dear old Gertie was dying. You are doing the right thing, keeping water up to her is the most important thing. Hopefully she will improve for you. Best of luck.
Julia Smith says
I hope she pulls through. Praying for Matilda and you from Alabama.
Huey says
I am so sorry that you have to go through this. My prayers are for you & Matilda.
thesalemgarden says
oh my goodness! That’s crazy! Your a really good chicken mom to figure this out, and to stick with her! You never know, she may be okay now. I hope you both get some rest. xo
Dana Macarthur says
I have been raising chickens for a few years now. When a chiken becomes egg bound, use some mineral oil and put some up in the vents.If the hen will not pass the egg after that, then gently (as you can) collapse the egg in the vent.The chicken then will pass what remains.As for Matilda-she may survive this ordeal and will contine you to give you eggs.However in the future, if her vent is dry then moisten it with mineral oil.I wish you both luck!
Susie says
Thinking of you and Matilda. Just in case anyone tries to make you feel silly for caring so much about a chicken…it’s not silly. It’s love, what else can you do? Pets are family members at our house too. Our pets love us without expecting anything, except maybe some food, in return. That’s priceless.
Jennifer says
Been following Matilda’s story for a few days. I hope she gets better. Can they do a chicken ultrasound to see if there is still eggs or pieces in her?
Tracy says
Might want to try supplementing their feed with oyster shell. I can tell when I need to add the extra calcium…their shells are just not as hard as normal. I’m so sorry…I hope she pulls through!
Mindy says
Oh my gosh, this was so friggin’ sad. I’ve never even heard of “egg bound” before. I always say I’d love to have chickens, but I don’t know if I could handle one being sick or worse.
Ugh, so sad. I’m keepin’ my fingers crossed for poor little Matilda.
Brigid says
I spent all day wondering if Matilda was going to make it just one more day…you just never know…
Heather says
I have never had chickens nor heard of being egg bound, but I feel your love and compassion. Praying for your sweet pet and your family. Love is limitless…
Kay Snyder says
Hugs!
Gordon says
You are a WONDERFUL Chicken Mama. Matilda is in great hands!!!!
Sherry says
I never thought I would cry over a chicken, but I did. What a story! I hope for a happy ending.
susan says
Been checking the website throughout the day, waiting for an update. I’m sorry about Matilda. Have tears in my eyes reading your post. You have lots of caring readers thinking about you, The Girl and Matilda… xoxo
Carol says
Awwww, Mavis. Hugs, prayers and healing energies to you and yours. Your little circle of readers are all pulling for a miracle!
Madam Chow says
My heart goes out to Mathilda, you, and The Girl. Poor little thing. I hope she gets better.
Annette says
Hang in there Matilda! After reading this I had to learn more about egg bound. I’m sure you’ve already tried these but a few tips I read are…using olive oil gloved finger to gently ease out any additional eggs…holding her in very warm water for 20 minutes and laying her on a covered hot water bottle will ease her pain and help her to pass any additional material. Good luck!
Jenna Consolo says
I will pray for Matilda! What a sweet mama you are.
Dena says
Hang in there Matilda, Mavis & The Girl.
If there are any more eggs in there Matilda then tell them to hang OUT!
Erin M says
Hi Mavis. What an agonizing day. There is nothing like losing a much loved animal or fearing losing them. My heart goes to you today. I had heard of the oiled finger vent clearing and warm water mentioned above. Sure worth trying I think.
Erin
Robin says
Glad to see she’s feeling better, I love chickens they’re such funny critters. When I was a kid I had a pet chicken every time she saw me she’d fly the coop and come running. Penny was a sweet, silly girl.
holly c. says
Oh, poor little Matilda! I really hope she recovers!
Carrissa says
We just struggled with something similar, nursing a chick with prolalse for three days, heartbroken and unable to put her down ourselves. We tried everything to pull her through, but no luck. I don’t think any animal you love can ever be “just” and anything, and I hate it when people say “it’s just a chicken”. So glad there’s hope. Praying for you that she pulls through.
Charla Echlin says
Oh poor Matilda. I know it seems silly to get worked up over a chicken ( my husband would say the same as yours)- but really, I almost feel this way about killing slugs too- almost, but after they’ve killed a few of my plants, I’ve gotten over it…sort of- now I just toss them into the creek.
But I feel your pain Mavis- I’m sure Matilda is very grateful for your care 🙂
Susan Burgess says
I’m sorry to hear that Matilda died. It was probably for the best, but sad.
Lynne says
My condolences on the loss of Matilda. You did all that you could, and The Girl is right – she passed peacefully with those who loved her and took such good care of her.
Lori B says
I’m so sorry for your loss. It is not “only” a chicken. You loved her and that is what matters. I agree 100% she died in a warm place with people that loved her and that is the best you could possibly do for her.
bonnie max fuentevilla says
Very sorry. But, she was very loved.
Bridget P says
Aww sorry! A pet is a pet and that means family! Not silly at all! <3 hope you have a better day today!
PamZ says
Mavis, I’m so sorry that you lost Matilda. 🙁 She knew that you loved her. I’m sad for all of you.
Brandy says
I am so sorry for your loss. What a great chicken mommy you are. You did it all right! No doubt her chicken heaven is a version of your backyard.
Desi says
So sorry for the loss of Matilda! You were so sweet to take such good care of her. She was loved and in the end that’s all we can do for our pets.
Mavis says
I agree.
Courtney says
OH, Mavis, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost a 3 month old chick when she flew into the run and broke her neck, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to deal with. Sweet hens make wonderful pets and it’s so hard to lose one. I am glad she got to pass at home near her family. This has been a learning experience for us all. Thank you for sharing.
darlene says
Poor baby. If it makes you feel any better, we lost an egg bound hen. With lots of the afore mentioned remedies we couldn’t save her. It’s difficult to do =(
Grandma PattyB says
When I get my backyard chickens (I say when, HH says if) they will definitely be allowed to go on their own terms. No culling for me. I just bought a book on chicken maladys. Yowzer, can then get sick from a lot of things. But still, I will deal with each one when it is their turn to go. Your experiences you share are well appreciated by everyone. I’m getting to know just what it takes to have pet chickens.
becky says
So sorry for sweet Matilda. It is so hard to let go of a dear pet, no matter if it was a dog, mouse, chicken, etc. “You can judge a man’s true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.” ~Paul McCartney
Big hugs.
Jennifer says
I am so sorry Mavis 🙁 My heart goes out to you and your family!
Lissa says
I’m so sorry. When you started this journey could you have imagined that thousands of readers from all over the world would be mourning one of your chickens? Well, we are. Thank you for sharing the ups and downs of life with us. Daily, you remind me of some of the simple things in life that make me truly happy. Keep up the good work.
Tina says
Oh no… I was hoping she would pull thru 🙁
Susan Robinson says
So very sorry about Matilda! I know it is hard to lose one of your little ones. She was a trooper til the end. Hugs to you and Girl as well.
SapphireCitrine says
sorry for your loss, she was obviously well loved, and she’ll no doubt always be remembered. warm wishes to your family.
Brooke Ross says
I’m so sorry for your loss. At least she was warm and safe. We have only lost one of our “ladies” and it was heartbreaking.
Anne-Marie Bilella says
It is so sad to lose a pet. I am sorry Mavis for your loss of Matilda. 🙁
Preppy Pink Crocodile says
Oh I am so sorry! I am from a family where pets are absolutely family members too. I know that heartbreak.
KK
Patti says
I’m so sorry about poor Matilda. It took me 4 years to convince my husband to allow me to get chickens. Last year we got 4 hens and I love having my girls. In January the twins, 2 golden buffs, Edith and Ruthie, got trapped behind one of our rain barrels. I went out to check on them and Cooper, our lab found them. Thank goodness, my 19 yr.old son was home bc the rain barrel was frozen in a snow bank and I would never have been able to move it without him. As soon as the barrel was moved Ruthie flew out, but Edith, who was under her, wasn’t moving. I grabbed her, brought her in the house, wrapped her in a towel and started blow drying her. She was gurgling from the water she must have inhaled. My son told me Ruthie hadn’t moved in the backyard since getting out from behind the barrel. Long story, but Edith who seemed the worst and was under Ruthie, is fine. Ruthie passed away, in the coop with her sisters 2 days later. She seemed more freaked out about the ordeal and When I put them both back in the coop that night Edith went up to the roost, Ruthie crawled under the nest boxes, so I brought her into the house for the night after being told by a vet, that this is why people shouldn’t have chickens, but to keep her warm for the night. Anyway, my poor Ruthie seemed fine when I returned her to the coop the following morning, but I think bringing her in the house, away from her sisters, was just too much stress for her. Anyway, I hope to always have chickens, but I plan to keep reading and learning so I am able to care for them as best I can. Poor Ruthie is wrapped in a towel, in my garden shed, awaiting for all the snow to melt, for a proper burial. I have to say I was a bit surprised at how her sisters didn’t skip a beat and didn’t seemed phased by the loss.
Anita says
I am so sorry to hear that dear little Matilda died. Poor little girl. I am sure she was grateful for all your love and caring. I once lost an egg-bound canary. It is very difficult.
Ursula Haigh says
I’m so sorry Mavis,
It’s never easy to lose a beloved pet. Take comfort that you did the best & everything you possibly could for her. She knew she was loved & being cared for :- )
Sarah Wills says
I am so very sorry – sending hugs to you & the girl – Matilda had a fab life in a fab family – and she got to end her days at home…
Annette says
That’s a bummer, I had hope. What a stressful chicken year so far…first crooked neck then Pablo and now Matilda…It’s only March. I’m hoping to have chickens in another year when we move onto acreage in the Palouse, so I’m learning from you to be prepared for loss and joy in raising them; I have a tender heart like you. Take care!
Erin M says
Mavis, I’m so sorry you lost Matilda. Your daughter sounds like an amazing girl.
Marsha says
I’m so sorry about Matilda…it’s always hard to lose a pet. :'(
jubob says
Mavis, so sorry for the loss of Matilda. we love our girls. I think my farmerbob is more attached than I am. He just fried up a pound of liver and made gravy for his hens. On the way out to the mansion he slipped in the snow and dumped it inot the yard, but scooped it up and fed them their treat anyhow. The girls follow him around, all he has to do is talk and here they come. We would be devastated if we lost one and you are in our thoughts and prayers today. Chin up chicky tho we all learn from these tough lessons, and do better when faced with the next challenge.
Lisa says
M- sorry for the loss of your chicken, Matilda. You are such a great garden/farm gal to take such good care of her! These pets do leave prints on our hearts…rest in peace sweet Matilda.
stacy says
So sorry about Matilda.
Becky says
I am so sorry about Matilda we have a red Matilda too, I wouldn’t of know what to do either, yes they are chickens but yes they are pets that’s why we will just let them live with us in their old age.
Texan says
I am sorry about your feathered friend. whew its tough having furry and feathered friends. I recently did a post on my blog about this very subject. Its hard…. whether they be pets or predators the decisions that have to be made on a farm are tough, as they are all living beings just doing what comes natural to them…. You may not consider yourself a farm but you have feathered and furry animals/pets and this leaves you in the same boat as us farm gals… Its hard as heck sometimes…. whew…. Chickens sadly do no seem to have long lives, or that has been our experience.
Sophia says
I am relatively new to your website…and love it.
I read about Matilda this morning (over a month after her passing).
Losing a pet – no matter what kind – is never easy. Matilda had such a wonderful, loving home, and was cared for to the very end. When we see the atrocities that commercial hens endure…Matilda had absolute Paradise…and you did all that you could, both to save her, and to keep her comfortable in the end.
Sending you hugs. Hope your heart has healed a bit since the loss.
-Sophia
Kamiko says
it will never matter the type of the animal, and ti will always hurt to lose a child, a best friend, a confidant. :'( Sending love and prayers for your family, and most of all, Matilda. <3
Sherri says
Mavis, I’m not a cold hearted killer of my animals, but the reality is; you have chosen to have farm animals. Chickens may be pets, but they are farm animals. It’s nice to think that the vet would put her down quietly, there comes a time for your children to learn the facts of life. We are living in some hard times and it’s only going to get worse! Please let your children in on some of the hard facts of life. “Matilda was ill and rather than let her suffer, we have made the hard decision to relieve her of her pain the way farmers would”. Wring her neck and walk into the house. It’s hard! But, $50. today should go to emergence food storage, not to a vet. IMHO says the woman with way too many birds!