Bloody poop and swollen feet

[Rosieposie6]

I am so sorry.

This is a part of chicken keeping, but euthanizing the first is always the worst. Please do not be too hard on yourself about not taking her to the vet. Chickens are VERY good at hiding illnesses until it is too late. I suspect a vet visit would have had the same ending with a large expense.

Yea we put her down, she wasn’t walking much anymore her legs were so swollen:/ This was a lesson learned on my part. I had assumed she was laying so I know now to separate a hen that isn’t laying yet so she’s not eating the same food as the layers.

 

[AnneGirlGG]

Yea we put her down, she wasn’t walking much anymore her legs were so swollen:/ This was a lesson learned on my part. I had assumed she was laying so I know now to separate a hen that isn’t laying yet so she’s not eating the same food as the layers.

I don't give layer feed at all, and I think many others here don't. Some feed all flock and some, myself included, just feed chick starter. We provide oyster shell and grit free choice so that the ones who need the calcium have access to it. Someone on here told me they chose to feed all flock because it's a little cheaper than the starter/grower. That's probably true, but I'm happy with what I'm using so I just haven't switched.

My oldest birds are now 17 and 18 weeks, and I just put the oyster shell out for the first time just over a week ago. The oldest girls are picking at it now, and the younger group hasn't shown any interest that I've seen.

This is the method I chose for feeding since I've got males and I know that I'll often have chicks being integrated.

Of course you have to do what is best for your flock and what you're comfortable with. I just wanted to share.

I'm so sorry about your baby.