Consolidated Kansas

[morgangirl1]

Well being gone for a week proves to be confusing. I must say though last week wasn't much fun. On Monday Tally got out and I had to lead her all around the woods to get her back into the fence then on tuesday I go out to lock up our chickens and our broody brahma cross had died under the coop. So I got mom to deal with him then Wednesday I come out and find our bird with the crooked beak, Okie mangled in the run. Thursday and Friday were normal as far as chicken stuff goes then a few days a go our speckled sussex we had gotten a while a go had gone missing. Then today I find the poor bird still alive out in the run. I think he had a broken neck and his eyes were swullen shut, mom went ahead and sent him to freeser camp being as though he was close to dieing. I have a feeling our EE rooster might have attacked him and injured him.

 

[zigzag45]

My "who knows what's going on" birds are about a year and half, two are buff orps and one is a brahma. I know the brahma is hatchery, the others I got from a breeder but I suspect they are hatchery quality. I guess I'll continue with the isolation plan and see if I can figure anything out. Sounds like they should still have plenty of good laying left in them.

Well, tonight I go out to make sure the new three are not sleeping in the nesting boxes (one was trying) and I find one of the buff orps sitting on eggs. I was mean and took them from her, she can keep the golf balls warm. Now I wonder about tracking down a few fertile eggs in the KC area and letting her have a go at raising them. My kiddos would love that, but then I'd have too many birds (again!). Hmmm, this chicken math is proving to be challenging.

 

[zigzag45]

BTW-Anyone have fertile eggs in the KC area (west side preferably)? Looking for good layers....

 

[sharol]

BTW-Anyone have fertile eggs in the KC area (west side preferably)? Looking for good layers....

Chicken Danz has great eggs. She is near Waverly. I have 3 lovely barred rock chicks and 3 speckled sussex chicks my Marans hen is raising from her eggs. Sturdy little things.

 

[zigzag45]

Chicken Danz has great eggs. She is near Waverly. I have 3 lovely barred rock chicks and 3 speckled sussex chicks my Marans hen is raising from her eggs. Sturdy little things.

I'd love more birds from her but she's a hike....

 

[sharol]

I'd love more birds from her but she's a hike....

Might be worth the trip for the quality of birds. Her BR's are gorgeous.

 

[zigzag45]

Might be worth the trip for the quality of birds. Her BR's are gorgeous.

you're being an enabler.... :-/

 

[sharol]

you're being an enabler.... :-/

Why thank you. I do try (blush).

 

[chicken danz]

Quote:

Well being gone for a week proves to be confusing. I must say though last week wasn't much fun. On Monday Tally got out and I had to lead her all around the woods to get her back into the fence then on tuesday I go out to lock up our chickens and our broody brahma cross had died under the coop. So I got mom to deal with him then Wednesday I come out and find our bird with the crooked beak, Okie mangled in the run. Thursday and Friday were normal as far as chicken stuff goes then a few days a go our speckled sussex we had gotten a while a go had gone missing. Then today I find the poor bird still alive out in the run. I think he had a broken neck and his eyes were swullen shut, mom went ahead and sent him to freeser camp being as though he was close to dieing. I have a feeling our EE rooster might have attacked him and injured him.

So sorry about your birds. Maybe this week will be better. I had a just awful day yesterday. Today I'm hoping for a fresh start.

My "who knows what's going on" birds are about a year and half, two are buff orps and one is a brahma. I know the brahma is hatchery, the others I got from a breeder but I suspect they are hatchery quality. I guess I'll continue with the isolation plan and see if I can figure anything out. Sounds like they should still have plenty of good laying left in them.

Well, tonight I go out to make sure the new three are not sleeping in the nesting boxes (one was trying) and I find one of the buff orps sitting on eggs. I was mean and took them from her, she can keep the golf balls warm. Now I wonder about tracking down a few fertile eggs in the KC area and letting her have a go at raising them. My kiddos would love that, but then I'd have too many birds (again!). Hmmm, this chicken math is proving to be challenging.

Zig I suspect at a year and a half they are going into molt. Their egg factory shuts down while they get ready to shed and create new feathers. They need a break and a chance to renew themselves. A little extra protein and calcium right now might help them get through this faster.
Thanks Sharol. If my buyers don't show up soon that have spoken for chicks I'm going to have a ton of them for sale soon. I'm definitely over capacity right now.
Yesterday was a frustrating day. I hope today is smooth and productive. I need a couple of really good days doing something besides spending money.
My DH pointed out a small group of my free range layers last night. He said, "You know most people only have about this many chickens altogether."
Geez! I wonder what point he was trying to make?

 

[zigzag45]

Zig I suspect at a year and a half they are going into molt. Their egg factory shuts down while they get ready to shed and create new feathers. They need a break and a chance to renew themselves. A little extra protein and calcium right now might help them get through this faster.

Ahhh, that would make perfect sense. Good input - thanks Danz.

And, my broody girl decided the life of an aspiring mamma wasn't for her... empty nest box this morning.