sbowers307
Hatching
- Dec 8, 2016
- 1
- 0
- 7
Hello!
I have found myself with 6 chickens and 3 ducks. I've have never had chickens or ducks before so I'm going blind. I've looked around and found that this is more complicated that just feeding and watering these guys.
My first problem, I never have any eggs. They were laying consistently this summer, but now I'm lucky if I get an egg every three days (I always have a duck egg). One of my hens was covered in yoke two days ago. Do you think that she's eating the eggs? They get layer feed, mixed with cracked corn. They always have access to oyster shell and fresh water-we have a water dish and also a now frozen swimming pool for the ducks. If she is eating the eggs, what can I do to stop her?
My second problem, the chickens feet are red and dry, and not all of the chickens. They look like they are sunburned almost. It's definitely cold right now in Wyoming. We saw -33*F last night, but it was happening when it was like 50*F outside. We have an insulated chicken coop for them, and right now they are out standing on one leg in -11*F weather. Silly birds, the coop is balmy. Anyway, back to the feet...Is this normal, or do they have something wrong?
My third problem is my poor Pekin Duck. A well-intentioned family member felt that the kids needed ducks for Easter. We were clueless but went with their advice, which wasn't much, since they owned some ducks previously. I just had a baby and was homeschooling my two older kids...not much time for research that needed to be done...Anyway, the "balls" of her feet look like the pads are black when the rest of her foot is orange. I noticed it earlier this summer but always thought she had mud caked on her feet, but I went out today and her feet were clean except those black pads. I stumbled upon bumble foot. Could this be? She also has white watery poops. Is that stress, or is she sick? Did I wait too long? I called my vet and they told me to call a town that's 3 hours away for an appointment. There is no way that my husband is going to let that happen. This sweet little duck has survived a yorkie terrier attack and a raccoon attack. I would hate for her to not survive my stupidity!
Thanks in advance for any advice you could lend!
I have found myself with 6 chickens and 3 ducks. I've have never had chickens or ducks before so I'm going blind. I've looked around and found that this is more complicated that just feeding and watering these guys.
My first problem, I never have any eggs. They were laying consistently this summer, but now I'm lucky if I get an egg every three days (I always have a duck egg). One of my hens was covered in yoke two days ago. Do you think that she's eating the eggs? They get layer feed, mixed with cracked corn. They always have access to oyster shell and fresh water-we have a water dish and also a now frozen swimming pool for the ducks. If she is eating the eggs, what can I do to stop her?
My second problem, the chickens feet are red and dry, and not all of the chickens. They look like they are sunburned almost. It's definitely cold right now in Wyoming. We saw -33*F last night, but it was happening when it was like 50*F outside. We have an insulated chicken coop for them, and right now they are out standing on one leg in -11*F weather. Silly birds, the coop is balmy. Anyway, back to the feet...Is this normal, or do they have something wrong?
My third problem is my poor Pekin Duck. A well-intentioned family member felt that the kids needed ducks for Easter. We were clueless but went with their advice, which wasn't much, since they owned some ducks previously. I just had a baby and was homeschooling my two older kids...not much time for research that needed to be done...Anyway, the "balls" of her feet look like the pads are black when the rest of her foot is orange. I noticed it earlier this summer but always thought she had mud caked on her feet, but I went out today and her feet were clean except those black pads. I stumbled upon bumble foot. Could this be? She also has white watery poops. Is that stress, or is she sick? Did I wait too long? I called my vet and they told me to call a town that's 3 hours away for an appointment. There is no way that my husband is going to let that happen. This sweet little duck has survived a yorkie terrier attack and a raccoon attack. I would hate for her to not survive my stupidity!
Thanks in advance for any advice you could lend!