Australia - Six states..and that funny little island.

[Fizzybelle]

Telia, she's a bit of a grumble bum too

Well I finally had a chance to spend some time with, and take more pics of Beatrice, the Belgian d'uccle I got on Saturday. She's a house chicken atm, to help tame her and help her settle. I ordered some mealworms, which should help win her over too. I think she's something very special, and I LOVE her fluffy beard! I look forward to it getting even fluffier XD

 

[User395221]

She's cute. (now I want a belgian d'uccle...sigh)

 

[Anniebee]

Yes Annie, they are a ' production ' bird and were specifically designed to be ' egg machines ' . They are quite capable of living a long life, ( my last one died at the grand old age of 8 ) , but they like all chickens only have a set amount of ovum seeds and as they rarely have any time down , brooding and raising chicks , they have reached their use by date after just 2 years. That is when some unscrupulous hatcheries will offer them up for sale to unknowing newbies that pamper them , but can't figure out why they get few eggs from their new found friends.
The breed is also very susceptible to egg binding once it is no longer fed the correct calcium to phosphorous ratio, which is carefully monitored at the fatcheries and egg production farms.

So sad that Isa's are susceptible to egg binding. Didn't know that, but not surprised. 8 is a good age for any bird, but you would have cared endlessly for your girl - a great contribution to longer life for an Isa ( or any chicken for that matter ). Was initially encouraged to get Isa Browns, but read up about them, and decided against it. I didn't want possibly short lived, ( possibly aggressive but not always ) 'egg producing machines'. Horrid that some people pass them off as great layers, when they are past their prime.

I think my Mandy Welsummer has given it all up. "Menopause is great, Mum - no more pushin' out large oval whats-its ". But it remains to be seen. Found some newly moulted feathers just today, after days of no new feather loss, so the moult is as normal for her - in fits and starts - and over a lengthy period. Heaven forbid if she goes through another one in Autumn - but it wouldn't surprise me. She was 3 last September, as was Molly RIR and Mindy Araucana.

If she has finally depleted her stock of egg seeds - then she can growl her way around the place, for as long as she lives happily. She's a funny chook.

Today, I found Molly hunkered down almost totally hidden under a whole lot of ground cover - and whispering her purr that she does when getting ready to lay. Sure enough - later on, went out and found she'd laid an egg in the chosen spot in the garden. The first garden one ever ( that I know about !!! ) ..... I was tickled pink.

She however, did NOT announce the egg arrival. !!

Thank you again, for the information.

Cheers ........

 

[Anniebee]

Thank you all for the well wishes, and advice too

Agnes did have a little nasal discharge out of the nostril on the swollen side of her face this morning, but the swelling seemed about the same as last night. I just got back from the vet, lungs sounded good, the vet felt certain the infection is localised to that area for now, and it's been caught early enough. She's on antibiotics for the next seven days in her drinking water. If no improvement can be seen in 3-4 days I'll take her back. My vets pretty good, and makes sure to follow up on the progress of the animals he sees, he's called to see how she's been doing in the past. She's in good spirits otherwise, eating and drinking, and currently having a vigorous dust bath. Unfortunately for her, she's in isolation until she's better, which she was very vocal about, my god the noise that comes out of such a little set of lungs! It's not too bad though, she's in the front yard, the others are in the back, so she's got grass to play on and scratch in. Both yards are separated by a fence, but she's in her own designated area, so she doesn't go too near the fence anyway. I've been washing hands and changing clothes too. I'm feeling pretty happy she'll be ok, and keep you all posted too. Her flock mates seem fine too, I'll be monitoring them though as well closely.

Fizzybelle ..... good to hear that you most likely have caught whatever it was, early - with anti-biotics, and also that her lungs are clear. That's a big plus.

Wishing Agnes, who is a gorgeous girl ( and yourself ) all the best.

 

[devinandfeather]

Yay I finally got a hatching of Orpingtons only 3 but who cares it's a start next hatch due next week

 

[Fizzybelle]

They're beautiful little babys! congrats!

 

[satay]

Telia, she's a bit of a grumble bum too Well I finally had a chance to spend some time with, and take more pics of Beatrice, the Belgian d'uccle I got on Saturday. She's a house chicken atm, to help tame her and help her settle. I ordered some mealworms, which should help win her over too. I think she's something very special, and I LOVE her fluffy beard! I look forward to it getting even fluffier XD

 

[satay]

Yay I finally got a hatching of Orpingtons only 3 but who cares it's a start next hatch due next week

So cute. Congratz on your hatch

 

[Fancychooklady]

Have a great day !

 

[satay]

Have a great day !

Same to you and all the members of the thread