Chicken tidbitting at owner

[redinator]

Yes, I'm afraid you will be. It's just as hard as losing my dog was.

 

[Elle111]

I have lost my share of pets through the years, and the ones that were my pals I grieved more for than many humans I've attended funerals for.

Yes, same with me. And it sucks that she contracted TB, as the necropsy showed she was in great health otherwise. I really think she could have lived a couple more years. I blame myself for exposing her to such a bacterial load outdoors at her age.

 

[Debbie292d]

Yes, same with me. And it sucks that she contracted TB, as the necropsy showed she was in great health otherwise. I really think she could have lived a couple more years. I blame myself for exposing her to such a bacterial load outdoors at her age.

You can't blame yourself. Even if that's the case, how were you to know? We learn and grow from our mistakes.

She had a better life with you and being able to be outdoors than 90% of the chickens in this world, so pat yourself on the back!

 

[Elle111]

You're right, I didn't know, but I should have known... I was always watching out for predators, feces of wild birds. No idea these damned TB bacteria survive in the soil for years. I know she was old, and she would have died of something, but this seems so senseless and preventable. She really loved being indoors, slept there, she only took short walks outside, and still it happened.

 

[redinator]

You're right, I didn't know, but I should have known... I was always watching out for predators, feces of wild birds. No idea these damned TB bacteria survive in the soil for years. I know she was old, and she would have died of something, but this seems so senseless and preventable. She really loved being indoors, slept there, she only took short walks outside, and still it happened.

I felt the same way when a batch of chicks ended up with Coccidia. I had three previous batches in the yard with zero issues. The first three batches went out in early spring so it was a bit chilly still, the batch that got sick went out mid summer. The only thing I can figure is the heat made the bacteria more prevalent in the soil.

You can't fix/treat a problem that you're unaware of

 

[Elle111]

I felt the same way when a batch of chicks ended up with Coccidia. I had three previous batches in the yard with zero issues. The first three batches went out in early spring so it was a bit chilly still, the batch that got sick went out mid summer. The only thing I can figure is the heat made the bacteria more prevalent in the soil.

You can't fix/treat a problem that you're unaware of

Sounds similar, in that you don't think about it. Meanwhile, I'm paranoid about bacteria, and wonder if I need a complete soil overhaul should I get new chickens. Probably.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Speckled sussex seems sweet. Huge though!if you're used to bantams.

Tessa is just 21 weeks old and already has quite an amazing badonkadonk. Seen from behind, she waddles like a duck! And still nowhere close to laying, per comb color, etc.

 

[McChooky]

Adding lime sweetens the soil and raises the ph. https://htmcgroup.com/the-role-of-hydrated-lime-in-managing-soil-borne-diseases

 

[McChooky]

I kept my chickens contained for years because I was convinced I was doing the right thing but chickens are exposed to more germs when contained than when free ranged on fresh ground.Sadly I did lose 2 to a predator the first year but I haven't lost any since.I don't judge others for how they keep their chickens but I wanted to share my own experience because free ranging them is new to me(2 years)I used to feel guilty for letting them out knowing a predator could kill them but now I feel guilty for all the years I deprived them of the simple pleasure of walking on clean ground.My chickens are healthier than they've ever been.

 

[Elle111]

I kept my chickens contained for years because I was convinced I was doing the right thing but chickens are exposed to more germs when contained than when free ranged on fresh ground.Sadly I did lose 2 to a predator the first year but I haven't lost any since.I don't judge others for how they keep their chickens but I wanted to share my own experience because free ranging them is new to me(2 years)I used to feel guilty for letting them out knowing a predator could kill them but now I feel guilty for all the years I deprived them of the simple pleasure of walking on clean ground.My chickens are healthier than they've ever been.

Yes, I guess it's all a matter of personal circumstance/choice. In my case with my geriatric silkie I had moved to different smaller town when she was already 10. Still a neighbourhood, just a bigger garden, and apparently, more wildlife. I should have recognized the danger. But hey; live and learn...