Thanks Pickaduck! I can't tell you how sick I feel over all of this. I just want to make the right choice and it's going to really suck no matter what I decide to do.
I have 3 one year old hens (1 BA and 2 RIR's) and 4 new girls (2Americauna's, 1 BR, and 1 BA) these girls are our pets and we love them dearly- eggs are just a bonus.
This summer we decided to get more chicks since we only had 3 chickens and always wanted to have 6 or 8. So I got 2...
You didn't say what type of chick it was.
Our first batch of chicks (2 bantams and 2 BA) never smelled, but then later we got 4 RIR's and they definitely had a funky smell! It didn't matter how often I cleaned the brooder there was always that smell.
They finally outgrew it and don't...
She needs to be cleaned up/given a bath no matter what it is.
Could she have a prolapsed vent? From the photo it looks as though her vent is protruding. It's hard to tell with that pic. Poor baby!
Our new babies are 4 weeks old this week. I forgot how much they poop when they're this small.
Whatever you choose to use - it will get messy and need to be changed a lot the first couple of weeks. If you use shavings I would only use enough to cover the bottom of the brooder with newspaper...
I think it's kind of like feeding a puppy regular dog food.
The Starter food is better for the chicks health and their growth -and Layer food has more nutrient hens need for laying eggs.
If you just want some light in there why not use something like a small strand of xmas lights. That's what I use with my girls. they seem safer than a large light bulb.
Squirt Gun? You're way too nice- I meant a hose or super soaker! A little water never hurt anyone or any cat. No matter how nice the cat is if you show him who's boss you wont have to worry about gathering up your girls if he's out.
It will be better for you and your neighbors if he isn't...
That cat should never be in your yard with or without the chickens free ranging!! Your chickens will be a constant temptation to it until they get full sized. I'd spray it with water and chase it every time I saw it.
I like cats but I like my girls more!
I recently added reed fencing ($16 at Lowes) to the West side othe run and it has made a big difference. All you need are zip ties and it's up in 15 minutes!
The answer to your problem is "food."
They are very food motivated. My girls know when they hear the milk jug shaking there is going to be something good to eat and they come running. My girls are older and can have scratch and BOSS, but yours can have small bits of bread or some yogurt...
When C.C. my Australorp molted this winter she was moody and very stand-offish. (She actually growled at us!) It was really sad all she wanted to do is sit on the freezer in the laundry room all by herself.
She didn't lay eggs for a couple of months. I gave her lots of yogurt, scrambled...
I would switch to pine shavings. With that many chicks in that tub you're going to need something to mask the smell of the poo. You can get the big bag @ TSC or Wally World for about $7 and it will last a really long time.
BTW my Australorp, C.C., is the most calm, sweet, loving chicken I...
I would sit the feeder/waterer on something to make it harder for them to get into. It will also make it easier for them to eat and drink. Good Luck with your babies!
I would spray some BluKote on the bare areas- asap. Maybe try to seperate the bald chicks from the others for a few days.
Hopefully you'll be able to determine who the bully is. Good Luck!
This cracks me up!! Are they going to have Chicken Police to make sure everyone is following the rules? What is going on in New Jersey- first "Jersey Shore" and now- limited congugal rooster visits!!
I'm so sorry for your Daisy.
My advice is when she's healed and you start the introductions again (which ever way you decide) keep them busy! They are like little kids- distraction is key. Have snacks ready (BOSS, yogurt, scratch, small pieces of bread they can scramble for) and make sure...