Well, she's my chicken. Could she have had that sort of respiratory infection without me realizing? What would the other symptoms be?
We discovered mites in the coop, so this past month we have been battling that. Pulled out all of our usual deep bedding and put down cardboard and minimal...
Here entire footpad is completely swollen on each foot (circled in blue), and there is what looks like only a tiny speck of a plug in the middle.
It looks to me as if I could have seen a plug previously, and was able to push it out, but maybe there was still active infection going on...
I just noticed yesterday one of my chickens has tiny little bumbles, with very very puffy, swollen footpads. I gave her a soak, but it's way too tightly plugged for it to push out any time soon. Is Fish Mox a good choice to treat this type of infection? I also have fish pen.
Welcome! I'm glad you were able to get her some meds. It felt very intimidating for me the first time I had to give my pullets a pill, but I got it done and it wasn't as hard as I thought, plus I know I'm a little better chicken keeper for it. Syringes can be tricky. If you have someone who...
Yeah, I just wish I had a bigger coop and run already. You would wag your finger at me! :oops: Hahah. I sort of feel like my coop is maxed out already with the 12 girls, so I would be clearing the four extra Australorps out of the way temporarily to make room for him to sleep in the coop...
Oh wow! I'm sorry to hear that! But that does sound lucky they were able to replace their stock that way. That's wild. Maybe I will think twice about get them.... Lol
Yeah, I will keep and eye and play by ear. In the meantime, at least I gave him a little bumpout with four baby gate panels so he can step out onto the grass with no cover while I'm out there. This is the project pen he's in, so it's kind of low to the ground, but it's got cover from the rain...
Okay, that last bit is not true. That's just a ridiculous rumor and I remember seeing that thread where the lady walked it back. Please try not to spread misinformation like that. I don't believe they are intentionally mistreating or being cruel to the animals.
Yes, there are mix-ups. But...
I would love to find out, too! I'm not yet ready to execute, and I'm still working out what breeds I might use, but I have heard the crosses usually are better layers! How is your plan going?
I think it's partially hybrid vigor, but moreso just knowing and being able to sort what you've hatched right away, plus the ability to simplify your brooding setup by marketing "guaranteed female chicks" and getting them out the door ASAP. There may still be chicks that don't sell right away...
So yeah what she's saying is like 35 sqft is enough run space for 3.5 chickens. Please don't get 3.5 chickens. Unless they have bantams!?? 🤔 I digress. Yes, extra ventilation and fortification will be essential to making a coop like that work, too. Don't be afraid to cut holes, and then...
Yeah, so that is still good for 3-4 chickens. If you want to grow your flock down the road, I would definitely consider converting a shed. Though your playhouse might work as a second mini coop for another 3-4 if you build a bigger run connecting the two? Both coops are a little tight, but...
I think he's sad. At first he was happy to be introduced to his new little pen, and out of the crate, where he can see, but not touch the rest of the flock. His little pen is on the opposite side of the yard from the females. I'm trying my best to quarantine the new bird, but already he seems...