- Thread starter
- #11
Thanks for pointing me to the index rules, rimshoes. Here's the info:
1) various types of birds have been involved (mix breeds), older birds (exact ages not known), varying weights but all are standard-sized chickens
2) Behavior as previously described
3) no signs of trauma
4) possible causative factor: new birds previously described
5) chickens have been mostly fed 7-way scratch, but we haven't been able to find that lately so have been trying 5-way and 11-way scratch (I'll have to check brand). An outdoor waterer is available, and I don't know the last time these were cleaned. Sick chickens appeared to continue eating and drinking. CHickens also get various kitchen scraps. In fact, I saw the newly sick hen make her way over to the scrap pile and then sit down by it, apparently exhausted by the journey.
6) I don't know what the poop looks like, and, honestly, I'm not sure what is normal either.
7) no treatment thus far
8) This question about treatment intentions is a good one. A minimalist approach has been the norm, but now that my fiance and I are involved, we need to have a house discussion about how we want to continue to care for the animals. I am probably more inclined to pursue more extensive treatment than my housemates, but finances are definitely an important consideration too.
9) I don't have any pics - yet
10) Housing: approx 12 x 12 (I think), bedding: a thick layer of straw on wood floor. The straw was replaced a couple of months ago, but we removed the layer of poop under the roosts and turned the remaining straw last week.
1) various types of birds have been involved (mix breeds), older birds (exact ages not known), varying weights but all are standard-sized chickens
2) Behavior as previously described
3) no signs of trauma
4) possible causative factor: new birds previously described
5) chickens have been mostly fed 7-way scratch, but we haven't been able to find that lately so have been trying 5-way and 11-way scratch (I'll have to check brand). An outdoor waterer is available, and I don't know the last time these were cleaned. Sick chickens appeared to continue eating and drinking. CHickens also get various kitchen scraps. In fact, I saw the newly sick hen make her way over to the scrap pile and then sit down by it, apparently exhausted by the journey.
6) I don't know what the poop looks like, and, honestly, I'm not sure what is normal either.
7) no treatment thus far
8) This question about treatment intentions is a good one. A minimalist approach has been the norm, but now that my fiance and I are involved, we need to have a house discussion about how we want to continue to care for the animals. I am probably more inclined to pursue more extensive treatment than my housemates, but finances are definitely an important consideration too.
9) I don't have any pics - yet
10) Housing: approx 12 x 12 (I think), bedding: a thick layer of straw on wood floor. The straw was replaced a couple of months ago, but we removed the layer of poop under the roosts and turned the remaining straw last week.