This is such an interesting discussion. We've had some similar ones recently in my local FB chicken group.
In our area, testing for sick birds costs $50, plus the cost of overnight shipping or travel to the facility (it would be a 3 hour round trip for me)...time/cost prohibitive for most.
Our...
I'm new to natural chicken keeping so take me with a grain of salt.
I read a comment on a thread a while back that said basically, "stop medicating, stop sanitizing, and let nature run it's course." Let chickens get acclimated to their natural environment.
That really resonated with me. Birds...
I picked up some new babies today...6 ameraucana chicks that are 3-4 days old. Let's start them off right! What do I do?
I'm giving them fermented feed. What else can I do at this age to encourage strong immune systems?
Yogurt? Garlic? ACV? How much and how often?
And how can I protect them...
I don't mean to disregard the suggestion about checking her comb. I'll go out and check her closely once I get my littles down for nap.
There was a little more blood under the roost this morning, though less than yesterday. Hopefully the mystery condition is improving.
What sort of herbs are...
I saw her have a very bloody poop (posted a pic in the emergency forum) also, which makes me think that the source is internal.
I'll add some boiled eggs and yogurt.
I asked this in the emergency forum, but I thought i'd ask here as well.
I found some blood splatters under the roost where my new 4 month old splash Orpington sleeps. And her first poop this morning was very dark blood.
I did a vent exam and felt no shells.
I'm reluctant to think cocci, both...
Culling is the tough one for me. I have 2 sick birds in the garage that I have to put down. I'm praying that no one else gets sick...it seems as though they have different symptoms, but both are respiratory.
I also have an older bird that seems ill and hasn't laid in over a month now. I guess...
Hi peeps! I'm new to natural chicken keeping. I've had birds for about 18 months and I've had more than my share of illness due to unknowingly purchasing sick birds. In fact, I'm thinking about starting over, but either way, I'm implementing strict quarantines from now on!
I have a shelf of...