I am working with my first "large" batch of chickens. We currently have approximately 50 meat birds and 20 layers. This morning one of the meat birds was dead and another seems to be dying (he's laying down and is very weak). The other chickens are pecking at him and there were signs the dead chicken had also been pecked on.
Here are the particulars:
mix of Highland 55's or White Leg Horns (males) from a reputable hatchery. There were no Cornish birds in the mix.
almost 7 weeks old and are still small (maybe 2 lbs?)
living in a portable pen that is moved everyday/every other day.
were vaccinated for Marek's before they left the hatchery.
diet consists of bugs and starter feed .
they are in the same pen with their layer "sisters"
Should I remove the dying chick from the pen? The other birds seem to be healthy, but should I be worried this is some disease or just normal elimination of the weak? I'm a little freaked out because I want to do the right thing and I want my birds to be healthy. I would just appreciate some feedback. Thanks so much. I really appreciate having a place to post questions/concerns.
Here are the particulars:
mix of Highland 55's or White Leg Horns (males) from a reputable hatchery. There were no Cornish birds in the mix.
almost 7 weeks old and are still small (maybe 2 lbs?)
living in a portable pen that is moved everyday/every other day.
were vaccinated for Marek's before they left the hatchery.
diet consists of bugs and starter feed .
they are in the same pen with their layer "sisters"
Should I remove the dying chick from the pen? The other birds seem to be healthy, but should I be worried this is some disease or just normal elimination of the weak? I'm a little freaked out because I want to do the right thing and I want my birds to be healthy. I would just appreciate some feedback. Thanks so much. I really appreciate having a place to post questions/concerns.