Well, VW, I have terrible news--all in the name of Mother Nature and survival of the fittest.....our flocks are in East Texas and last night, if you saw any news today, it rained for about 10 hours nonstop. Somehow, 7 of the poults died. We think they either got wet and cold and did not get under their mommas, or someone said they could have drowned from just being wet under her if she was also wet. Not sure, but I'm about to search "poults die in rain" or something similar to learn more. Today, we had a tarp hung to completely shield the brooder on two open sides. It can be lifted during the daytime. Our daughter was very disappointed, but I kept reminding her that it's up to Mother Nature and we can only do so much. We would not have gone out in the incredible lightening storm to check on them, so it is what it is, sadly. And I would never have expected them to die in rain--if they were out in the woods, they would have experienced far worse than the brooder. (It is enclosed and has a roof and two 1/2 walls, two solid walls)
That lightening was the worst I've ever seen!
On a happier note, we still have 4 poults and hopefully a few more eggs will hatch tomorrow or the next day!
I've heard of blackhead and will re-investigate, so thank you for that caution. I'm still worried about coccidiosis, as my chickens are carriers from when they had it as chicks....
Take care--
That lightening was the worst I've ever seen!
On a happier note, we still have 4 poults and hopefully a few more eggs will hatch tomorrow or the next day!
I've heard of blackhead and will re-investigate, so thank you for that caution. I'm still worried about coccidiosis, as my chickens are carriers from when they had it as chicks....
Take care--
