Another death

We had another chicken die. She went to the vets on 30th May really just as a precautionary measure since I knew she had previously had egg peritonitus and may again need anti biotics. She was not ill but I just had a feeling so booked her in and took her. Vet was very happy with her but confirmed she was probably in need since by the time we got the appointment she had diahorea. I was given anti biotics and came home. She had done well since in 2 months had put on 750g in weight which is loads. She was almost 3kg. I gave her some anti biotics and put her back in the run with her mates. About an hour later I went down the garden and Gwenny2 was sitting down and sleeping so I picked her up and put her in a nest of hay in the hen house and assumed she was exhausted from going to the vets. Its about 25 miles to the nearest one who will treat chickens and they never travel well so this was not really unusual. At dusk I got everyone in from the garden and they went to bed. next day we were poff to do Wessex folk festival in Weymouth so the girls were being looked after by a chicken sitter. Anyway at about 5am I went to let them out and opened the pop hole and no one came out which is very weird. Normally they all just troop out in a line and scrabble at me for food until I put out all their numerous dishes - they have lots to prevent squabbles. Anyway I opened the side door and looked inside and they were all upset by Gwenny2 who was dead and stiff in teh hay where I had put her the previous day. So sad. Her little body must have just given up. I loved her and I miss her. She used to jump up at the food bucket when I was feeding them and fly at me if I had lettuce. She was veryd estructive in the garden and it seems very weird without her. I had become very attached. We went to weymouth for a week which was anice break but when we returned Gwyneth is ill. I suppose no one would notice but I know her. Her comb has flopped thru malnutrition since I assume she has been bullied and not eaten proerly. She has been on antibiotics for diahorea and I have been trying to feed her up since last wednesday when we got home. The chicken sitter didnt realise or my oarents who had popped in to water my veg. Poor little girlie. I have managed to get her to eat at last using a mix of porridge oats and chicken food and yesterday she tried to steal out of the food bucket I use to carry food around the garden to their pen. I think she will make it but it has been touch and go and her comb is still flat and droopy. I rexckon a week or so more and she may be healthy and strong enough to go back in. WE had to force feed her the first day cos she would not eat at all but once she had something in her she seems to have got strong enough to feed herself- or maybe the horror of force feeeding made her eat! Anyway I went onholiday to a death and an ill bird on return. Maybe I shouldnt go away as long again while I have the chickens.