Recent content by JessicaThistle

I'm not entirely sure what chicken string is, but I wouldn't use any string. It will get chewed off. I do agree with sylvie that you will be able to tell them apart if you have a small number. I also don't recommend buying the plastic spiral bands in the future. They shrink. I have had my...

I have never given my ducklings electrolytes or vitamins and they have always been fine. I guess I would second the question,is it sick?

Thank you! I've never worked so hard nor been happier doing this much work. :D

They all look like pullets to me too. #7 is a hen. Sex-link females are red like her and the roosters are white with a dark red on their wings.

Yes, we do. We sell pasture raised chicken and duck eggs at grocery stores around my state.

Feeding time Unfortunately in groups this size they are always moving away from you when you have the camera. Sometimes I get lucky and get a close up.

I look for an increase in size of the comb and wattles, as well as a deepening of the color from pink to red. She will also start squatting when you are around her. Generally, she will lay her first egg within two weeks of her first squat. I also see a final small molt of feathers a couple...

Agreed. She's molting. She'll be all done and beautiful in no time.

Phew! That one had me worried so I'm glad to see she is perking up. Has that made the screaming one happier? Chickens Really asks a good question. What is the light level in the room? They would be more active with light and less if it is dark.

Does the other one eat, drink and poop properly? Does that one seem to be growing at the same rate as the other? I know your post was about the screaming one but I can't help but worry about the other one. Chicks do sleep alot but for brief periods before they are up and running around. Any...

Seems to me she is lonely. The bigger question is why is the other one always asleep? That chick should be active and interacting with the other. Chicks are very active at one week old. I have found that chicks are like kids or any other pet. If you pick them up every time they holler, they...

I will look for your pic tomorrow. If no bugs, I am 99% sure that she is just molting.

I forgot to add that the time of year matters too. Spring chicks generally lay earlier than those that come into lay in the fall or winter, in my experience. For example: my 2018 groups that I raised early in the year generally my first egg would come at 16-17 weeks. My group that just...

It definitely depends on the breed. Production hens can start laying as young as 16 weeks old. My silkies didn't start laying until 22 weeks. I raise mostly sex-links for production. I make sure the nests are ready and start looking for signs of lay coming on at 16 weeks.

I have over 500 Goldens. My first guess would be she is molting and not going to lay until she is done. Many of my ducks are as you describe. The wings are the final stage of the molt. Once she is done replacing those, she should restart laying. Giving her some extra protein right now would...