He must have been young--that's not normal behavior for hens. Also, they might have sensed something about him that's not healthy? I hope he's doing better now, poor little guy.
Your hen definitely sounds unwell. This could be a generalized 'failure to thrive' or even coccidiosis. Everyone on here will suggest a fortifying vitamin supplement that you can add to her water. But also, check her crop, and has she laid any eggs recently? She could be in trouble. In any...
Hi Mmikke, I'm sorry no one responded to this post last year, it's a good question. I've been keeping chickens for a few years now, currently have 34.
Your babies and mom should be just fine for now.
Applying diatomaceous earth is good,
Leave the poisons (permethrin) out of their living...
Dittos, I'd wrap her in a towel to hold her still, then apply warm salt water wet rags to ease some of that swelling. Poor thing. She looks miserable. Hope she recovers quickly!
So glad to hear somebody say this. It's absolutely true. These chicken companies churn out so many birds every year, it's gotten way too mixed up. But we love them all, even if they do end up in Freezer Camp:)
I'm noticing the same thing with a few of mine as well. 9 week old buff orpington pullets here in South Carolina. They seem normal, just so pale! I've had chickens since 2016 so I'm used to watching for various problems. One thing that helps me 90% of the time is adding yogurt and ground up...
I've had many roosters (the result of straight runs from Tractor Supply). So far, this is what I have been doing, it's worked with 4 successive roo's so I'm sharing it here: Pick him up. Don't be rough or sudden, but find a way to pick him up and tuck him under your arm like you would a...
You're fine. They are made to be in a brooder or tub with lots of furry beings around. Many feel these are safer than heat lamps which can burst or overheat.
I had a hard time at first, until my husband (who is more experienced) told me to always say a little prayer for them before culling, and thank them for their lives. It helps me a lot. Every bird gets a little prayer and a minute to "settle" before I proceed.
Another thing that helped me with...
I'm glad I came across this. I have 23 hens and 3 roosters. One is huge (and just gorgeous). 17 of the hens are the same age as Mr. Silver: 8 months, and it does look as if he's squishing them as he literally stands on their backs to mate. And worse, my 2 year old Brahma ladies are...
Welcome to the site, Olivia. And welcome also to SC. My husband and I moved here (Orangeburg County) in 2015, started raising chickens in 2016. You will learn so much on here. 😉 Just remember: everyone has an opinion but it's up to you to pick and choose what works for your situation. Also...
I just checked. Looks like Linn County and Pacific County so far.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 6, 2022 – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial...