Jeanne Marie and all,
I always wondered how anyone could take a rooster anywhere near their home. My lone experience was the mystery rooster owned by an unknown neighbor, and that thing started crowing - a real loud cock-a-doodle-do, anytime after 3am. I had to get up at 5 to get the train to NYC, and that experience made me dislike all roosters.
But, thanks to you and others, I am learning that all roosters are not obsessively loud crowers starting hours before dawn.
My six chickies arrived today. All seemed healthy, but now I see that the runt - the little Polish, seems like she is not thriving. She is tiny compared to the others. So, I followed all the instructions for feeding, etc, and I will hope for the best.
One other chick has some sort of dried schmutz on her neck. I examined the area, and there does not seem to be any problem with the skin - no redness or open sores, etc. Does anyone think I should leave it alone, or try to wash it off?
Thanks in advance. Oh, my 13yo son LOVES them. At the beginning when I told him I was going to get some chickens, he wanted no part of it. But I've been talking it up for months, and now that they are here.....well he actually squealed when he first saw them. He is a sport kid - not a squealer! And he got to name the first one - the buff orpington. He named her Carmelo - after Carmelo Anthony. So there you go. Day one of chicks is over. We did ok, I think!
Schimbare
New Chick Mama
) arrived last Tuesday, April 23rd. Upon arrival, 2 did not look good at all. We quickly brought their core temperature up under a heat lamp, gave them water through an eye dropper and separated them from the group. Within an hour they perked up. The smaller one of the 2 needed a bit more TLC and she received a vitamin/electrolyte solution, every hour for a total of 5 doses. By the evening they were back with the group. I awoke the next morning to the lil girl motoring around the brooder, eating and drinking water on her own. It's been 10 days, and they are all doing fantastic! I have learned sooooo much about chick behavior. I will post some pics, Good luck everyone.
) arrived last Tuesday, April 23rd. Upon arrival, 2 did not look good at all. We quickly brought their core temperature up under a heat lamp, gave them water through an eye dropper and separated them from the group. Within an hour they perked up. The smaller one of the 2 needed a bit more TLC and she received a vitamin/electrolyte solution, every hour for a total of 5 doses. By the evening they were back with the group. I awoke the next morning to the lil girl motoring around the brooder, eating and drinking water on her own. It's been 10 days, and they are all doing fantastic! I have learned sooooo much about chick behavior. I will post some pics, Good luck everyone.
