Hi, I'm new and have questions

sbowers307

Hatching
Dec 8, 2016
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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!
 
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First off, glad to have you here! I'm in WY also, come say hello on our state thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/699789/wyoming-unite
I've only lived here about 7 months, but other members that post on there have lived here long enough to be able to answer some of your weather concerns.

I've never raised ducks, but your description of the black pads on the feet does sound like bumble foot to me (I had a couple of chickens that had it). There is a way of doing some minor surgery yourself to remove the bumble and you can find that here: post #1
That is the way I took care of my birds. I believe other members have tried some non-invasive methods which you can read about by putting bumble foot in the search box.

If you need more help, you can post in the emergency forum:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

I hope some of this helps.
 
a good book is the joy of having chickens and the 4 h chicken owning book got it from my local library if any other beginner questions i might give u a answer just send me a pm
 
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Welcome to Backyard chickens. I don't know much about ducks. You could ask related questions on the "Duck thread." Just put that in the search box and it will pop up. I can't imagine why your chickens feet are black underneath - possibly frost bite????
 
G’Day from down under sboweres307
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Welcome!

I know very little about ducks and cold temperatures but as you have already experienced with the tips from others, there are lots of friendly and very helpful folks on BYC.

Not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends
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Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined the flock. I'm also going to think it's bumble foot, my Ducks had it once, it's easy to take care of, you should be able to find an article on how to remove it. Just make sure you take care of it soon, once I had a chicken who had it and died after the surgery since it had been too late. I think she's okay at the moment, my chicken had barely been able to walk/move before it was too late, so you should be okay if you take care of it as soon as possible. The surgery itself, as I said, is quite easy, just need a couple of house-hold supplies things and maybe a helping hand. In advance, I wish you the best of luck!
 

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