California - Northern

[zooweemama]

I think I have to separate 2 of them. One bcm cockerel and one orp cockerel. I have not gone to anyone's house in months. No one who has chickens have had contact with my chickens.

They are 4 weeks old and starting last week they were allowed to be outside during the day. The past 3 days free roaming inside an enclosed yard. I have not changed their food or added any new fowl in 2 weeks. Just the new set of chicks but they came from the as breeder and my goslings that came from Metzers. Not really any sneezing now but those 2 chicks will open their mouths occasionally- almost like a pant but there is no reason to be hot. It's like 78 in there. Room temp basically.


If it doesn't make sense - I blame autocorrect. Sent from my sweet iPhone 4s.

 

[capayvalleychick]

Is chain link fencing adequate for one wall of the coop? We have a 10x10 dog kennel for the run. We were going to make the edge of the kennel with the door on it- one wall of the coop. Is that safe enough?

I started a thread about this, a while back...received some great ideas. Ron is right, hardware cloth on the bottom. It's also a good idea to line the sides and any open spaces. Take a look:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/590043/dog-kennel-coop-how-to-make-door-area-predator-proof

Cooper- Good news that your chick is doing better!

Wasabi- Sorry I can't be of help, but you have some pretty birds.


I moved all my Dorking cockerel youngsters into a *bachelor pen* yesterday. I took some notes on each one, wormed them and sprayed them with Poultry Protector. Took most of the afternoon!

Fireworks tonight at Cache Creek Casino. A really good show and less crowds than anywhere else.
Enjoy your Sunday,
Kim

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

It's horrible. I am really liking 2 of our suspected roos. But with a flock of under 12 hens - I don't see that I will be able to keep them both. The breeder I bought from did her job well- my chicks (except for one bitey hen) are SO stinking sweet.

Mite season? Oh Lord. DE mixed in with my coop substrate and those sticky strips and that's how I prepare right?

I hatched 5/6 eggs on June 8th, 2 died, so the 3 remaining: 1 pullet, 2 cockerels.

I use Adams Flea and Tick mist (spray?) on my chickens. It's effective, though I ought to not have any wind blowing the stuff in my face.

 

[zooweemama]

I started a thread about this, a while back...received some great ideas. Ron is right, hardware cloth on the bottom. It's also a good idea to line the sides and any open spaces. Take a look:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/590043/dog-kennel-coop-how-to-make-door-area-predator-proof

Cooper- Good news that your chick is doing better!

Wasabi- Sorry I can't be of help, but you have some pretty birds.


I moved all my Dorking cockerel youngsters into a *bachelor pen* yesterday. I took some notes on each one, wormed them and sprayed them with Poultry Protector. Took most of the afternoon!

Fireworks tonight at Cache Creek Casino. A really good show and less crowds than anywhere else.
Enjoy your Sunday,
Kim

Thank you- that was really helpful!

 

[zooweemama]

Aww I separated the 2 cockerels that breathe with their beaks open sometimes. The BCM one keeps making a loud call- like a cry. I feel so bad for him. I'm not quite sure what to do with them. I guess they cannot go outside now right? Just stay in their separated cage until they seem better or get worse? At 4 weeks old- can they handle night time temps of mid to upper 60s?

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

X2

Put hardware cloth on the bottom and you will be good to go!

Ron

After putting hardware cloth under, the chainlink and chicken wire (with some wood) pen has lasted for 7 years now.

 

[zooweemama]

Hi zooweemama,

If possible, you should separate him from the others.

They aren't supposed to sneeze. Mouth open could be from being overheated. Watch for watery eyes too. Do they eat earth worms?

Ron

No watery eyes, no runny noses, no decrease in appetite or water consumption. Stools appear to be the same. I took the time to hang around long enough to see the one BCM take a poo and it appeared normal. The one BCM cockerel will occasionally breathe with his beak open- very very occasional sneezing. The Orp cockerel is markedly breathing with this beak open0 like a person with a cold. I held him up to my ear and his breathing sounds raspy or slightly labored. (the BCM does not sound like that) It's entirely possible he has eaten earthworms- the past week they have been outside for about 12 hours each day on the ground foraging. They sometimes have been offered meal worms/ superworms (live ones) in the past week by me. Offered chick grit as well. I am so frustrated. I don't know what I could have done to cause this. I am so sad. I really hope it doesn't hurt my flock. I have $200 invested in JUST the chickens since I bought them from a breeder. If I have to start over - I will have to start over from a hatchery.

Update: now I do see some liquidy dark brown poo. I do not know who is doing it though.

 

[ronott1]

Quote:
The poo is probably normal. Something like every fifth poo is brown. It's called something, but I forgot what it is.

You are doing everything correctly with them. Go to the health and emergency thread and post what is going on and the symptoms. If you don't get an answer quickly, sent a pm to a guy with the ID of Dawg53. He is very good at figuring out health issues and how to treat them.

Wishing the best for your chickies

 

[zooweemama]

The poo is probably normal. Something like every fifth poo is brown. It's called something, but I forgot what it is.

You are doing everything correctly with them. Go to the health and emergency thread and post what is going on and the symptoms. If you don't get an answer quickly, sent a pm to a guy with the ID of Dawg53. He is very good at figuring out health issues and how to treat them.

Wishing the best for your chickies

Thank you Ron! You are always so helpful! <3 xx

For anyone who thinks they can help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/683914/2-of-my-4-week-old-chicks-mouth-breathing-sneezing

If you think I have left out any important info- please let me know and I can add it. TY!

 

[zooweemama]

Awwwwwwww Ron you were nominated and won an award for BYC Spirit?? Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!