First Run of Cornish Cross Meat Birds and Super Excited!

How big should I let my giants get before I have to go to freezer camp? I think Red Nugget is a roo.

I have such a heavy heart friends.

Code enforcement sent me another letter of complaint yesterday. And my favorite muscovy drake Elvis died in my arms under suspicious circumstances. I hate to say I suspect my neighbor of poisoning my drake and killing him.

I'm sending him in for necropsy and the whole csi bit. .. if there was fowl play on my drake, I plan on pressing criminal charges. I have been more than agreeable on my roosters that have crow reduction surgery and live in special sound muffled housing my bf built me in our basement.

For the neighbor to complain about my roosters still is beyond ridiculous, and if he escalated the situation by doing something to Elvis that's gone too far.

I'm still in tears. Just inconsolable.

My wonderful bf sent 4 cx meaties to freezer camp last night. They are huge.

Elvis leaves behind his mate Trouble and their 10 baby ducklings. They were truly a mated pair, I had to make them their own pen and coop because they didn't like any other feathered friends with them.

Trouble is making awful sad noises breaking my heart more. I'm not sure if I can get through today yet.

I am so sorry. How horrible. I would do the same thing. We're do you live?

I'm so glad I don't live in town. The only close neighbor I have is Mrs. Libby. We live on 5 teachers but the houses are close together. About 50 yards. My chicks get to share the property with her ducks Butter and Herb. Herb gets loud when he wants attention. But no enough to crab about. Again . I'm so sorry to hear this.

Linda and Double Kindness, I'm so sorry for Dixie and Elvis. Its hard to lose your favorites.

DK, I feel for Trouble as well, that's just so sad. I really hope your neighbor didn't poison your drake, because that would be just awful.

I am so sorry DK!! How would a Muscovy annoy someone!! They can't make a noise other than pushing out air. Again I'm sorry and if he was for sure poisoned I hope those people get busted.

Thanks for the condolences. Pearl seems to be missing her... she hasn't left the coop.

DK- How awful! I am so sorry for your loss!!! I certainly hope your neighbor is not such a terrible human being as to poison your duck.
Also, are you breaking any laws with your poultry? Seems like your neighbor just likes to complain and be angry. I had one of those.. then we moved to the boonies. Turns out we like animals better than most people.

RedNugget- Looks like your meaties are ready to go! You can process any time you want, depends on how big of a dressed out bird you are looking to get.

Code enforcement said I'm not in violation. But they had to send the notice.

He has been freaking out 6 because we moved Trouble and Elvis over to that part of the yard.

The sad noises out of all my ducks is hurting my heart today. I'm going to go give out mealworms.

I got two little bresse chicks out and one pipped!!

I haven't had time to read through the posts today but I posted in Emergencies a problem I have currently and of course, no one seems to think it is as serious as I do. So, I am hoping maybe you guys can give me some suggestions? I don't need a diagnosis, just some ideas:
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I have a roughly 7 month old hen that I found sitting on her butt with her feet in front of her. I grabbed her up and took her to my chicken hospital in the garage. She eats, drinks, poo is normal and even lays eggs. She is extremely alert and talks to me a lot every time I see her. The problem is that she can't support her own weight. She can move her legs and toes. She can grip my finger with her toes. She can't can't push herself into a standing position and stay balanced.

I have been giving her vitamins and electrolytes in her water for 4 days and no improvement but no change in her demeanor.

So my question: Am I dealing with a case of Marek's? She has a flock of 100 and no others show any signs of illness or sitting on their bottoms and I have watching closely for a week now.

I have 316 other chickens on the property as well, all healthy, and am worried if she has something contagious.

I hate to cull an alert, egg laying hen if she could be treated and get well. Any ideas?