New in Los Angeles

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flax99

flax99

Chirping
5 Years
Apr 27, 2016
4
1
59
Oregon, USA
Hi everyone! Long time lurker, first time posting.

Got a question:

I'm planning to get my first chickens from my local feed store, once my coop is ready. The store sells 5 month old Rhode Island Red pullets. My question is, what should I be looking for when I look them over? How closely do I need to inspect them? What are the most common health problems to look out for? Are mites or lice something to worry about?

Thanks so much! I'm totally new to chickens so all advice is welcome.
 
Welcome to BYC
frow.gif
Glad you joined the flock! That is a good question and valid concern. When I look at chickens for purchase I look for bright eyes, clear nostrils, no signs of discomfort or breathing difficulties, feathers in good condition, feet in good condition (i.e. no mite/lice damage to either). If possible look at their droppings, any sign of blood or worms (shouldn't if bought from a feed store). Check their vents, under their wings etc for signs of mites.
 
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Hi :welcome

Glad you could join us here! What an exciting time for you, getting your first chickens :D
Sumi has left you some excellent things to loo for when you purchase your new birds.

Good luck with your new venture in the future. Enjoy BYC and all the chicken chat :frow
 
Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT
 
Thanks everyone! I'll study up on what mites and lice look like. My eyes aren't great, hope I can see well enough for it.
 
You can also check under their tails for any signs of blood or diarrhea around the vent or redness from irritation. Give a good look to their beaks, to see that top and bottom match up.

Some birds have crooked beaks - top or bottom affected - this can cause eating problems and you would want to hatch eggs from a parent having this defect. Hope you will post photos of your new birds once they pass your inspection.
welcome-byc.gif
 
I'm in LA too. If you don't mind me asking, what feed store did you get yours from? Mine no longer sells bantams, and I'm looking for more places to reach out to.
 
I haven't seen bantams at my local feed store, but I haven't been looking that long. I'm in the San Fernando Valley so Red Barn is my nearest store. I'm also planning to check out Malibu Feed Bin, which people seem to really like.
 
There was a place in El Monte, Wes's Pets N Feed, and I still love the place, but the management's son took over and now they don't have bantams anymore really:/ They used to have all kinda of OEG and sebrights and d'uccles, and now if they ever get in a few chicks, they're just silkies...
 

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