California - Northern

[debs_flock]

Quote: Thanks Deb. I have been wanting to take/post good pictures of the chicks, but have been paranoid about handling them too much, so Cam has been doing most of the care (except for mornings when I am clean!). They are growing and eating like little piggies; the little black one is still proportionately smaller than the other. Tails are up when they are alert, and they have very inquisitive personalities and are also surprisingly quiet. Scared me the first morning when they didn't wake me up peeping like my other chicks did; had a moment of panic and feared the worst. Cam dug out an ancient baby blanket and made them a nest which they love. Still hoping for pullets. What age can you start guessing on sex for Seramas? The combs are still pretty small to my eye.

Cam says hello and we were very happy to meet you too!
Lynda

You should be able to sex them in another 2-3 weeks. The comb/wattles develop very early and turn quite pink on cockerels quickly. If there is little color/size by the time they are 3-4 weeks old, it's almost certainly a pullet.

 

[chickee]

That's a thought. I have been on the lookout and haven't noticed any mold or fungus. The coop didn't have a moisture problem until after the diarrhea started, so don't think it was the original cause, but may be a secondary issue. Also, they don't go in the sandy section under the roosts (not even to eat the few soft eggs) and it acts as a large litter box that I scoop frequently. The coop is open to the run and they always go outside in the run or in their chicken yard when not roosting or laying. No automatic waterers, and food and water is portioned out daily, so nothing sits around. The birds are seemingly healthy, very active and eating a lot and still laying, just less frequently (50%+ less) than a month ago, which is why I suspected worms. They were just dosed with Ivermectin and second treatment of Valbazen. Would a fungal infection make them lethargic and puffy or would they still be active? Do you think the Denagard would work for a fungal infection, just in case?

Thanks for helping with some new ideas. Heaven help me if this chronic diarrhea is the new normal!

I came across this website about cures for chicken diarrhea and thought you might find it helpful

http://www.ehow.com/way_5704080_cures-chicken-diarrhea.html

 

[threadgeek]

Quote: X2! He is one lucky chick! I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed for him!

Any updates on Balthazar?

Thanks everyone! My hubby and I are just entering our mid30s so this was our first big reminder that we aren't 20 anymore. Not that 35 is 80 or anything lol. But certainly not 20. haha!

My husband had to go to the ER because his heart was racing and skipping beats. It's not the first time, but the previous times had been mild and explained away as stress. This time it was really bad. Heart rate was 150 when he was resting. Heart not even beating- just quivering. I t took them hours to even get it down to the 90s. He felt like crap. He was in Chico because that's where he works and we live in Redding. I have 4 kids with me all day so I could drop it all and go be with them. It took hours to arrange someone to stay with the kids to I could go. Anyhow. He is on meds to control for now. We have to follow up with his dr then eventually a cardiologist. The ER drs argued whether he has SVT or A Fib. Was a little scary I won't lie. He is home for the week just to catch up on rest and get back to work on a good foot.

I guess the timing is good because we have 3 waterfowl down with bumblefoot. We're going to have to hit them all at once. Not going to be a fun day. Let alone treat ducks and a goose and expect them to keep their bandage on? haha! right.

I keeping you and your family in my thoughts, I really hope this is a simple issue that the doctors can quickly diagnose.

I noticed one of my hens was lightly limping today. She is eating like a champ and otherwise acting normal, just favoring one leg. When she stands in one place she will pull her foot up. I manipulated her legs but I'm not sure what to feel for, and there didn't seem to be any obvious swelling. After reading other thread posts, I will check her foot tomorrow for dark spots (bumblefoot?). I'm hoping its just a simple sprain. Any suggestions for other things to consider here?

 

[mendocinosunris]

Thanks everyone! My hubby and I are just entering our mid30s so this was our first big reminder that we aren't 20 anymore. Not that 35 is 80 or anything lol. But certainly not 20. haha!

My husband had to go to the ER because his heart was racing and skipping beats. It's not the first time, but the previous times had been mild and explained away as stress. This time it was really bad. Heart rate was 150 when he was resting. Heart not even beating- just quivering. I t took them hours to even get it down to the 90s. He felt like crap. He was in Chico because that's where he works and we live in Redding. I have 4 kids with me all day so I could drop it all and go be with them. It took hours to arrange someone to stay with the kids to I could go. Anyhow. He is on meds to control for now. We have to follow up with his dr then eventually a cardiologist. The ER drs argued whether he has SVT or A Fib. Was a little scary I won't lie. He is home for the week just to catch up on rest and get back to work on a good foot.

I guess the timing is good because we have 3 waterfowl down with bumblefoot. We're going to have to hit them all at once. Not going to be a fun day. Let alone treat ducks and a goose and expect them to keep their bandage on? haha! right.

Golly, that's scary. I hope the meds to their job so he can start feeling better.
Good luck to you!!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

You should be able to sex them in another 2-3 weeks. The comb/wattles develop very early and turn quite pink on cockerels quickly. If there is little color/size by the time they are 3-4 weeks old, it's almost certainly a pullet.

WooHoo! Based on pics of other Seramas, I think they are about 2 weeks now. The wings are quite long. Seems like they mature quickly. If we get two pullets, maybe we can take an extra rooster off your hands this spring. If we get two roosters, I will cry.

Quote: I've read that one, among so many others! (My poor brain!

) Potassium permanganate is nasty stuff; I can't imagine putting it in their water (I'm a big chicken!). Feeding Epsom salt? Maybe. I couldn't find the original source for either of these, just the same bit that was printed in Mother Earth News retold in several places (or outright plagiarized!). I need a bit more info to feel comfortable, otherwise seems like I'm experimenting. May have to try it if nothing else works!

 

[Deerling]

X2! He is one lucky chick! I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed for him!

Any updates on Balthazar?

I keeping you and your family in my thoughts, I really hope this is a simple issue that the doctors can quickly diagnose.

I noticed one of my hens was lightly limping today. She is eating like a champ and otherwise acting normal, just favoring one leg. When she stands in one place she will pull her foot up. I manipulated her legs but I'm not sure what to feel for, and there didn't seem to be any obvious swelling. After reading other thread posts, I will check her foot tomorrow for dark spots (bumblefoot?). I'm hoping its just a simple sprain. Any suggestions for other things to consider here?

You're so nice to remember! We made soft boiled eggs for the invalid today and gave the leftovers to the other chicks and Balthazar actually got some! Not only that but he played king of the hill on the egg dish! I was so proud. I really love him, I think we might reduce our assortment as they become pullets and get some more Faverolls.

Amy- Thanks for sharing. I'll definitely be keeping you all in our thoughts and good wishes.

I don't have any suggestions for your hen (sorry!) but I hope she's feeling better tomorrow!

 

[ThePaganJew]

Thanks everyone! My hubby and I are just entering our mid30s so this was our first big reminder that we aren't 20 anymore. Not that 35 is 80 or anything lol. But certainly not 20. haha!

My husband had to go to the ER because his heart was racing and skipping beats. It's not the first time, but the previous times had been mild and explained away as stress. This time it was really bad. Heart rate was 150 when he was resting. Heart not even beating- just quivering. I t took them hours to even get it down to the 90s. He felt like crap. He was in Chico because that's where he works and we live in Redding. I have 4 kids with me all day so I could drop it all and go be with them. It took hours to arrange someone to stay with the kids to I could go. Anyhow. He is on meds to control for now. We have to follow up with his dr then eventually a cardiologist. The ER drs argued whether he has SVT or A Fib. Was a little scary I won't lie. He is home for the week just to catch up on rest and get back to work on a good foot.

I guess the timing is good because we have 3 waterfowl down with bumblefoot. We're going to have to hit them all at once. Not going to be a fun day. Let alone treat ducks and a goose and expect them to keep their bandage on? haha! right.

Wow I'm glad it ended up being ok and not something even more serious. I hope this was just a one time thing and that your hubby is up,active and well soon.

 

[Miss Molly]

Chocolate Orpingtons

 

[Miss Molly]

The SG Dorkings have hatched!

Congrats Ron! Super Cute!

 

[Deerling]

Chocolate Orpingtons

Oh, I die! So cute! What do they look like as adults? (I can google it, but if you have some grown ups I'd love to see your pictures ) How are the baby goats, by the way?