Central PA here! (Mill Hall)
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If he made it back under his own power I think he deserves a day or 2 of TLC before deciding. Bruising around the neck would be very restrictive and uncomfortable.
I would give time a quiet cage in a warmer than outside area but not main house warm...maybe a basement or garage? And give him soft foods which are easy to swallow but not prone to being clumpy or pasty. A few drops of vitamins would be good in his water also.
He will show his mettle in a day or two as the initial shock passes and if no improvement you can euthanize him then if a downturn or failure to improve.
Central PA here! (Mill Hall)
They are ready to sell, but straight run, and it takes a long time before you can sex them reliably.Are they ready to go Dennis? I assume straight run at present?
If you had a coop three times the size, I could tell you how to hide them. As it is, you might decide to sell the chicks, and refuse the hens. Though I’d choose hens over chicks. No waiting for eggs!
Yes, you need to make a descision... and I don't think you have the space to keep more than the dozen you were supposed to stay with anyway. A 32 square foot coop is adequate for 8-15 max, based on the commonly recommended 2 to 4 sq ft per bird... overcrowding will cause problems in the long run.
Decide what direction you want to go with your birds, a particular egg color(s)? Meat? Yard candy? ...and go from there. Decide which birds you have that fit your needs, sell any which don't fit (chick or adult) and replace as you have room.
I might seem harsh, but in the best interest of flock happiness (room restriction) and respect for landlords wishes I think you need to put those issues first.
Thanks! I have two young boys, and I'm looking at the Orpingtons because of what I have read of their excellent temperament. I'm hoping for eggs and pets. Will read about Ameraucanas. I'm new and learning.I have *lots* of Lavender Ameraucanas, but no Orpingtons. Big fluffy birds that lay blue eggs.
Ameracaunas are amazing. They have great personalities and are so freaking cute and beautiful. They also work really well for show birds for 4h if the kids get interested. They can be kinda whacky but that's just like any other bird. They aren't as huge as orpingtons though so if the kids get intimidated by a huge bird these guys would be a good option. They also come in a ton of color varieties. Just do not get them from your feed mill or a hatchery because most of their birds are Easter eggers not true Ameracaunas. @dheltzel has true Ams, I'm starting up with them and so is @LeBlackbirdThanks! I have two young boys, and I'm looking at the Orpingtons because of what I have read of their excellent temperament. I'm hoping for eggs and pets. Will read about Ameraucanas. I'm new and learning.
I've never had Orps, so I'm sure our resident "Orp expert" will dispute this -- but I believe Ameraucanas are even better pets. And so are Cream Legbars, with the main difference being color and the fact that Legbars are easily sexable anytime, Lavender anything, never sexable by color.Thanks! I have two young boys, and I'm looking at the Orpingtons because of what I have read of their excellent temperament. I'm hoping for eggs and pets. Will read about Ameraucanas. I'm new and learning.
Hey guys, asking this for my cousin. She had a fox attack the other day, and her Roo showed up that night, but in poor shape. The poor guy does not seem to lift his head much at all. He was clearly grabbed at the neck, and probably shaken around. He only seems to have a couple of puncture wounds on his neck. Do you guys think he will make it, or should he be euthanized? We do not believe his neck is broken, just badly bruised. Sorry for the graphic pictures, hope no one was eating!
*Edited to add, he did want to eat, when we put a small dish down on the floor for him.
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Central PA here! (Mill Hall)