We had 5 Buff Cochins and are now down to 3, with two of those currently confined in a large dog crate in the basement. I posted a few days ago about having to put down the first one due to severe picking after, what we have now learned, was a prolapsed vent. THe second one then seemed to prolapse (posted pics the other day) and got picked but not as bad as the first since we caught it sooner, but she still died yesterday in the crate. THEN we went out to do the evening chores (despite the snow the chickens had mostly been free ranging yesterday) and found 2 more Buff cochins with their rear ends very swollen, and one was being pecked by the other chickens. Those two are now in the crate inside to try to prevent what happened to the other 2. 1 more is left with the flock and, as of this morning, looked completely fine.
How could they all have had a prolapsed vent?! Is this something Buff cochins are prone to? None of the other breeds we have are showing signs of this (feathers being picked out or swollen rear ends). Are we doing something wrong?! I am also concerned this is starting a very bad habit amongst the flock of pecking others to death.
THanks for any advice.
How could they all have had a prolapsed vent?! Is this something Buff cochins are prone to? None of the other breeds we have are showing signs of this (feathers being picked out or swollen rear ends). Are we doing something wrong?! I am also concerned this is starting a very bad habit amongst the flock of pecking others to death.
THanks for any advice.