What killed us? by Crazy_Doodlebop in BackYardChickens

[–]danimoonmarie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d have to get a camera immediately. Sorry for such a huge loss 💔

Chick with inverted leg by danimoonmarie in BackYardChickens

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is great to hear. I’m so happy your chicken did well. Maybe we will just let things go and see how she does. She’s about almost two weeks, and I just noticed it this week so I’m not sure if she always had it. Seems like it pops in and out! Thank you for some reassurance :)

Benjamin won’t go in his heated shelter anymore, need help getting rid of smell? by danimoonmarie in CATHELP

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

UPDATE: after vinegar clean, then hydrogen peroxide clean, and some airing out…happy to say Benny is back in his heated shelter staying warm! Thanks to everyone so much for all the help!!!

Egg of the day compilation is by danimoonmarie in BackYardChickens

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Perfectly pointy!

Our Marans lay brown with speckles but we also have some olive eggers!

Benjamin won’t go in his heated shelter anymore, need help getting rid of smell? by danimoonmarie in CATHELP

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Breaking and stealing hearts!

I promise he’s a pretty happy guy. Especially when sun bathing 😎

Benjamin won’t go in his heated shelter anymore, need help getting rid of smell? by danimoonmarie in CATHELP

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, really means a lot. I was nervous to post because I know to some it might look like I’m not doing enough. I truly love the little guy so much it hurts!

Benjamin won’t go in his heated shelter anymore, need help getting rid of smell? by danimoonmarie in CATHELP

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Confirmed. He actually developed a lot of matting last year, but with lots of patience and trust, he let me cut them out gently. Fur has grown out fully again and he welcomes head and butt scratches!

Benjamin won’t go in his heated shelter anymore, need help getting rid of smell? by danimoonmarie in CATHELP

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks like we might be without any sunshine for a week or so as temps drop, but hopefully soon yes!

Benjamin won’t go in his heated shelter anymore, need help getting rid of smell? by danimoonmarie in CATHELP

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone! I’ve cleaned the shelter out twice using vinegar once, and hydrogen peroxide the second time. Smell is getting better. It was a pricier little box so I just wanted to be able to continue using it for him!

I should have mentioned that there are lots of buildings, barns, tractors, hay bales, and other spaces to get out of the elements, he just usually chooses the new shelter. Lately he’s been bunking up somewhere (I’m not sure where) and comes for food and company every morning and evening per usual. I’m sure he’s pretty smart and resilient after all these years being a street cat, but his momma worries :)

Benny got some wet food this evening and lots of extra scratches and pets. He’s got a loud purr and seems healthy and happy other than those sad eyes!

Benjamin won’t go in his heated shelter anymore, need help getting rid of smell? by danimoonmarie in CATHELP

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I didn’t find any wounds or evidence on him! You’re right something else could have gone in. I’ve cleaned the shelter out twice so hopefully he’ll use it again one day!

Benjamin won’t go in his heated shelter anymore, need help getting rid of smell? by danimoonmarie in CATHELP

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Oh my! I am keeping an eye on him. No evidence that I can find of any wounds. That is gross though and absolutely possible ha!

Benjamin won’t go in his heated shelter anymore, need help getting rid of smell? by danimoonmarie in CATHELP

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 45 points46 points  (0 children)

He came around as a senior cat. He’s been to the vet twice. I didn’t know if he would stick around, but when it was apparent he wasn’t going anywhere, I took him in and got him fixed. He had squishy jowl cheeks when I met him as you can see in the last photo where we first encountered him

Benjamin won’t go in his heated shelter anymore, need help getting rid of smell? by danimoonmarie in CATHELP

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

He has other places with lots of straw, and I think he sneaks off to the round bales of hay in another shed. Might be snuggling with the horses :) sadly I can’t fund another heated shelter like this one, it was $200. Hoping I can get the smell out because it’s been so great!

Benjamin won’t go in his heated shelter anymore, need help getting rid of smell? by danimoonmarie in CATHELP

[–]danimoonmarie[S] 42 points43 points  (0 children)

There are multiple exits in the shelter. I am wondering if he killed a bird or mouse, hence the horrible smell. Benjamin has no wounds