Dellies

[Rusty Hills Farm]

I've been a RIR guy for close to 50 years (tho I did have some buff rocks for awhile). Maybe it's old age or something but I've had an itch for some Dellies for a good while now, so I did my research. The only thing I've found bothersome is the occasional comment about being prone to parasites. How accurate is that? Have any of you who keep them see this as a problem in your birds? Or is it a problem with free-ranged birds? I cannot free range. All of my birds live in small flocks in 12 x 24/36' pens. Would that avoid the problem or am I kidding myself?

Any and all comments greatly appreciated!

Rusty

 

[Mrs. K]

When i googled dellie chicken all i got was deli chicken?

 

[fluffycrow]

When i googled dellie chicken all i got was deli chicken?

I’m assuming they are referring to Delawares, but not sure.

I don’t have any experience with the breed, so I can’t help

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

OOPS! Yes, I meant Delaware chickens. Shoulda been clearer. I've been calling them Dellies in my head for months! LOLOLOL!

Rusty

 

[Sally PB]

I have no experience with either breed, but why would one be more prone to parasites than another in the same coop/run?

 

[Ridgerunner]

The only thing I've found bothersome is the occasional comment about being prone to parasites. How accurate is that?

Do you have a link so I can read that in context? On the face of it I consider that ridiculous but occasionally in context you can make some sense out of it.

Have any of you who keep them see this as a problem in your birds? Or is it a problem with free-ranged birds?

Nope, never. I've had Delaware, Speckled Sussex, Buff Orps, Black Australorp, Buff Rocks, and Ameraucanas. They had over 2,000 square feet of pasture to range in. I regularly check them for mites and lice. When I butcher I split some of the guts open looking for worms. I've never seen mites, lice, or worms, though I know I could next time I check. You just never know with parasites.

Do you have any other specific parasites in mind? With the ones I mentioned I'd expect all of them to have them if one did, but when my wife and I are outside the mosquitoes find her a lot earlier than they do me. I don't wear perfume or use aftershave, that might have something to do with it. I can't give you guarantees.

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

I've been reading about Delawares all over the internet for a couple of months now. I think one of the places was actually on BYC (tho I couldn't find the post just now when I looked again). But it's good to know they aren't any more attractive to stuff than anybody else. Thanks for your help.

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

"I have no experience with either breed, but why would one be more prone to parasites than another in the same coop/run?"

My partner and I used to keep bees. I never got stung. He always wound up with a dozen or more welts. Mosquitoes eat him alive but never bother me. One of our dogs picks up every pest known to man. The other one never seems to get anything. Why? Who knows. I just know it does happen. Mother Nature sure is a tricky one!