A Few Questions

[MNChickens27]

I was quite busy earlier and could respond 'properly'.
After reading this again I think it is possible that these two Gold Stars may have had internal laying issues or something similar to that. It is fairly common with production birds.

I would still treat the current ones with Corid to see if it helps them.

Ah, now that you mention it I had read their life span is about 2-3 years on average. It's sad because they are such sweet birds, always friendly and would run up to me when I was out with them. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Thanks again for your insight.

 

[Kiki]

I think three years is a long time for those breeds, but I guess they can live that long.
I am sorry for your loss.

 

[MNChickens27]

I think three years is a long time for those breeds, but I guess they can live that long.
I am sorry for your loss.

Thank you! What are your thoughts on mites being part of the problem? I watched a video earlier today about checking for mites around the vent of the chicken, do you have any thoughts on that?

 

[Mrs. K]

I think that the vet that examined your birds would have identified any parasite problem that you might have. Production birds do seem to have a shorter life span, but really a 3-4 year old chicken is a pretty old chicken, some people have them live much longer, but often times they don't.

If these were your original chickens, and you started with them 4 years ago, I think that there is a good chance that they just died of old age, and the others might do so too soon. I don't think you need medicine, I think you need new chicks!

Mrs K

 

[Kiki]

I think that the vet that examined your birds would have identified any parasite problem that you might have. Production birds do seem to have a shorter life span, but really a 3-4 year old chicken is a pretty old chicken, some people have them live much longer, but often times they don't.

If these were your original chickens, and you started with them 4 years ago, I think that there is a good chance that they just died of old age, and the others might do so too soon. I don't think you need medicine, I think you need new chicks!

Mrs K

I have to agree.

I would check them over for mites at night with a flashlight.
Mites live in the coop and tend to only feed on the birds at night.

 

[MNChickens27]

I have to agree.

I would check them over for mites at night with a flashlight.
Mites live in the coop and tend to only feed on the birds at night.

Is this a good tutorial on how to check for mites?

 

[Kiki]

Yea but what ever you do do not buy that Poultry Protector they showed in the beginning, it will NOT get rid of mites.
Use a Permethrin based spray IF you find mites, on both the birds and coop.

 

[MNChickens27]

Yea but what ever you do do not buy that Poultry Protector they showed in the beginning, it will NOT get rid of mites.
Use a Permethrin based spray IF you find mites, on both the birds and coop.

I am so glad I joined this forum, I've learned so much in the 10 hours or so I've been a part of it. Thank you for the warning, I will avoid that product.

 

[Kiki]

I am so glad I joined this forum, I've learned so much in the 10 hours or so I've been a part of it. Thank you for the warning, I will avoid that product.

I am so happy to hear you love it here too!

It is a wonderful site full of great people and great useful information.

One way to learn A TON of useful things is to read through threads in the emergency section.

 

[aart]

Don't use Frontline either.....The Gordons or other 10% permethrin is the best IMO.
Vid was ok in showing how to part feathers and headlight is a great tool especially if working alone. You also need to check under wings and around head/neck area.
I suggest googling mites and lice to see pics before exam so you know what you're looking for.

The swollen belly/abdomen is often ascites(water belly) and is caused by organ failure from any number of diseases. Best to necropsy to see what you are dealing with rather than medicating the rest of the flock.

As to your ventilation, no, I don't think those little grates are enough,
but opening windows might cause too much draft on roost area.
Can windows be opened at the top?
Is the lean-to on the roost side of coop?
If it's not, that would be a good place to add a larger vent as it's protected from the weather.