2 days and 6 dead chickens later ugh!

[bobbi-j]

Wow! So sorry to read about your flock! I’m glad you have solved the mystery. I’d hang onto that lone hen and start checking out the hatchery websites. Unless you want a purebred flock, why not get one or two chicks of some breeds you’ve been curious about? Try a few and see how you like them.
How did your rooster turn out?

 

[aart]

ok, I think I found the poison, some very, very old poisoned oats.

Intentionally poisoned...for the rats?
How old?
Weird that it's never been an issue before.

 

[Mrs. K]

Yes it was for rodent control. And very, very weird it has never been an issue before. But we found oats in a place they have never been, coming out of a hole into an old building that the girls do go in. Pack rat maybe?

Thing is this ranch has been here for more than 100 years, and old buildings stored stuff, and stuff deteriorates with time, but it is the only thing that seems to make sense. Those old buildings are going. We are going to sort, and then with the next snow, we will burn. It is a job that has needed to be done for a long time... you know, later. Later is now.

As for the survivor, part of me says - hey she lived, must not have been exposed. But part of me says... what do you know for sure? I may just cull her too. Do some major clean up, and start over fresh. A very depressing week-end.

Mrs K

 

[Folly's place]

I'm rooting for your one survivor, who can be the 'auntie' to new chicks, and help them learn how to get along out there.
If it's a warfarin type rodenticide, maybe getting her some vitamin K1 capsules tomorrow would be good, from your vet. No harm, and maybe some good.
Mary

 

[Mrs. K]

Learn how to get along... that is a good point. This just sucks, eggs should started coming in the next two weeks, this has been such a good flock, healthy, active, was going to do some hatching for a friend, and myself of course.

I just think I really do know what I am doing, got it figured out and a wreck like this happens. I am just sick.

 

[Folly's place]

I'd be heartsick too, it's terrible to see.
Last spring when we lost 21 birds one afternoon, and 7 two weeks later, I'll never forget it or stop second guessing myself. There's nothing to do but grieve, and move forward, and wish things hadn't happened as they did.
All the best,
Mary

 

[ValerieJ]

I just now read this whole thread. I'm so sorry, Mrs. K. What a tragic episode for you! Is your rooster still alive? Do I understand only the one hen survived?

 

[aart]

But we found oats in a place they have never been, coming out of a hole into an old building that the girls do go in. Pack rat maybe?

Rodent stash makes some sense.

Learn how to get along... that is a good point. This just sucks, eggs should started coming in the next two weeks, this has been such a good flock, healthy, active, was going to do some hatching for a friend, and myself of course.

I just think I really do know what I am doing, got it figured out and a wreck like this happens. I am just sick.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

I'm inclined to agree with the pack rat theory- packed oats away before he packed it in, then much later stash rediscovered (perhaps another rodent disturbed it and thus left it open to the flock).

Please consider BYC's Forum threads in https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/animals-in-need-of-free-re-homing.16182/

 

[Mrs. K]

One hen made it...I think. She still looked good tonight. @ Folly - those bright eyes are safe from me... she is staying.

Not my rooster, Tipperary. Today, I put a call in for some chicks. Will be ordering this week. Will get a mixed group, I like that kind of flock best.

SWEAR.... ugh. Oh well chicks are always fun.

Mrs K