Recent content by lothomson

So, I ended up removing the hens AND eggs from the nesting box and FINALLY the two of them have returned to sleeping on the normal roost instead of in the boxes. Hopefully they continue doing this, but I think their behavior has to do with how close they are.

Hey everyone! Long time, no see. In the past week or so, one of my hens has been broody (which is very typical of her), but weirdly enough, my other hen Joy who has never exhibited broody behavior has joined Cream in her nesting box. They share the nest day in and day out, and I can tell that...

Hi there, I'm really not sure what could be going on with your hen – especially with her being swollen. Please start your own thread :) Somebody might know on the health/emergencies forum.

UPDATE #7 Hey guys, The chicks are doing fantastic! Cute little girls, one will sit in my hand and the others play fight. I have a question...unfortunately I ran out of bedding while cleaning the cage today, and the only other option I have for bedding right now is newspaper and fleece. I...

Sounds exactly like what she is doing... the standing and wiggling. It is cute haha. Thanks for easing my stress!

UPDATE #6 Hey guys, overall the chicks seem to be doing great. However one, Amelia, one of the buff orpingtons seems to be missing feathers on her bottom and is stressed when pooping. I thought it could be a blocked vent...but she is pooping. It just looks uncomfortable, and she keeps flexing...

UPDATE #5 Fantastic news! I've got 3 healthy, happy chicks snoozing and pecking away in my brooder. Two are buff orpingtons and one is a beautiful blue wyandotte (they didn't have ameraucanas or EEs). I have been stressing quite a bit about heat lamp issues and food and water...but now they...

Thank you! Sounds great. Kind of off topic...but do you know any preventatives that keep spiders out of a coop. Since Willow passed, I've been asking around if there are any reasons for sudden death in chickens. A chicken expert...seriously...told me that some chickens will eat a black widow...

UPDATE #4 Hey guys! Exciting news. Today I am going to pick up 2 or 3 chicks for Joy. I'm thinking ameraucanas. How soon do you think I could introduce the week-old chicks to Joy?

This sounds like a great idea! Joy has come in the house many many times looking for me. I'm not sure if they feel comfortable in the diapers, and I'm not sure if the rest of my family is up for it, so that's a big maybe. I am so sorry for your loss! I know how terrible it is.

UPDATE #3: Hey guys, my order was cancelled and after New Years I received an email telling me that I should order my chicks now to get them in March. It says on their website that they always have 'Available Now' assortments, but I guess I was wrong or maybe they were. I don't think I will be...

UPDATE #2: Bad news, my order got cancelled, and it turns out that California Hatchery does not take calls...only emails. And even worse, they don't seem to answer emails, as mine was rejected due to the fact that their inbox is completely full. I'm hoping it is that full because they are...

UPDATE #1: Hey guys, I am proud to announce that I ordered 3 chicks from California Hatchery: they should be here within two weeks! I am so excited to meet my new babies and for Joy to possibly adopt them. I'm not sure if it will happen, but I asked the hatchery to possibly include an...

Greenfire is a little pricey for me, and I only want 3 chicks, but the minimum was 6. Are there any other hatcheries, small or big, that sell chicks year round? I have been doing lots of research, but I can't seem to find any that come quickly...except California Hatchery. Has anyone dealt with...

Thanks, guys. I'm starting to think I'm just as stressed as her. Ugh. Seriously, thanks for all the support and answers! I don't know what I would do without BYC.