Alice is in trouble again

[Trees Gray]

Originally Posted by Birdmom4ever

I have observed that even hens that are too old to lay or don't lay for some other reason (we've one that has a defect and has only laid two eggs in her life) enjoy being with their mates and vice versa. Kind of like childless couples.

Hi Birdmom4ever,

I have one of those couples, the hen is now in menopause. Even though they try and try she is not laying anymore. She does enjoy the company of her mate, and has lots of babies, and one grand daughter.

Originally Posted by Reti

Other than Treesa, who is 170 miles away I really don't know anybody who could take her in for a while.
Reti

Reti,

If you want her to convalesce with my birds and sunshine, that is no problem. As long as she can eat on her own and drink on her own she is more then welcome to stay here. I have one new cubby with front where no one will bother her at night. I have two birds in the coop now who are handicapped, so they have their own cubby right next door, with a front that closes also. They have to be brought their food and water, or be picked up and placed in the dining room as both have wings that hang from accident.

[TAWhatley]

Reti,

I'm so sorry Alice is feeling poorly again. I have no useful advice to offer you. Treesa .. thank you for offering a temporary home for Alice if that is what is decided to do.

Terry

[Reti]

Thank you Treesa and thank you Terry.

Treesa, right now she is just sitting/ laying on the towel. She ats and drinks as I have attached her bowls to the cage.
When she is not in crisis she eats and drinks fine and is even flying briefly (due to her weight she tries to fly the least possible).
Maybe if she is well again, she can spend Christmas with you and have a break from her mate, we'll see.
Then, maybe she can have the surgery after that.

First, I want her to recover and then take it from there.

Thanks for your offer.

Reti

[TerriB]

Originally Posted by Birdmom4ever

...I have observed that even hens that are too old to lay or don't lay for some other reason (we've one that has a defect and has only laid two eggs in her life) enjoy being with their mates and vice versa. Kind of like childless couples.

Just curious - do these pairs stay in permanent courtship phase? That seems to be very intense for full-time.

[TAWhatley]

Originally Posted by TerriB

Just curious - do these pairs stay in permanent courtship phase? That seems to be very intense for full-time.

Around here .. they become just loving old couples who love to sleep next to each other in the sun, groom each other, and squabble over the black oil sunflower seeds in the mix at least here it becomes a very kind and gentle relationship.

Terry

[mr squeaks]

Originally Posted by TAWhatley

Around here .. they become just loving old couples who love to sleep next to each other in the sun, groom each other, and squabble over the black oil sunflower seeds in the mix at least here it becomes a very kind and gentle relationship.

Terry

HUMANS should do so well!!

[Reti]

I have a couple, not too old, but the hen had a hysterectomy, so she is not laying anymore. They are a very sweet and loving couple, and they love it when I give them eggs to sit on (dummies) of course. A few months ago I gave them two baby ringneck doves to raise and they did a wonderful job.

Reti

[Trees Gray]

Originally Posted by Reti

Maybe if she is well again, she can spend Christmas with you and have a break from her mate, we'll see.
Then, maybe she can have the surgery after that.

Reti

Reti,

Yes, I meant I would take her and let her convalesce, once she is feeling better. That is fine, I'm sure she will enjoy the change, and she can enjoy the sun and such. If the homers get too aggressive, she can sun in the baby-doll coop, where Hamilton goes. We will make arrangements when the time comes, it is up to you. It will also give us an excuse to come visit!

[Reti]

Originally Posted by Trees Gray

Reti,

It will also give us an excuse to come visit!

That should definately happen. Can't wait to see your new additions.

Reti

[TerriB]

Terry and Reti, thanks for the feedback regarding the behavior of pairs when egg laying slows down. I think Bliss would be pleased with that development, since he is happiest spending all his time with Mieke. She really has to work to convince him to stay on the nest so she can go out!

[Birdmom4ever]

Mine settle down, too. The male doesn't constantly drive the hen or anything like that. As others have said, it becomes a more gentle, companion-type relationship, especially with older birds. With my younger hen with the defect I occasionally give her dummy eggs to sit on, but she will only sit on them if she's in the right mood. Last year she and her mate got to foster a set of chicks, which was very rewarding for them. But she "divorced" him soon after--left him for a younger man!

I'm not sure how old is too old for cock birds, though. I have a 13-year-old plus Old Dutch Capuchine who is mated to one of my roller hens and he fathered a chick by her this year. The chick turned into an ugly bird, but we'll keep him anyway. He's definitely Jacob's offspring because he has a little crest. Jacob was very proud of himself when he fathered that chick and it seemed to give him a new lease on life. He took good care of the baby, too. He slows down in cold, damp weather and perhaps has some arthritis, but he's otherwise healthy and vigorous. His young mate adores him.