Finally joining

[Redemption_Farm]

Well, I'm finally joining! I'm on my third flock over the years and still learning a ton! I made the mistake of starting my latest flock with chicks from a local person, then added 7 more mature birds from another local. I knew better and am still dealing with the consequences! They all have a chronic respiratory problem, leg mites, and depluming mites! I got them in March when egg prices were $7/dozen and chicks were hard to get.

We currently have 23 hens, 2 roosters, and a few eggs about to hatch. I've dealt with the gamut of health issues this summer with the flock: ascites, sour crop, vent gleet, splayed leg/selenium deficiency, chronic cough, depluming mites, and leg mites.

I love that my 7 yo daughter likes the chickens and is actually a great chicken keeper. She has a half silky that she often prefers over the kittens!

I've also been enjoying my first blundering attempt to have a hen hatch out eggs. She has been so determined and had to start fresh a few times. Not to mention it's getting colder, but hatch day is in a day or two. I'll try to get a brooder plate out there to help. She'll be a great mom!

 

[BDutch]

Thanks for the introduction.

Not to mention it's getting colder, but hatch day is in a day or two. I'll try to get a brooder plate out there to help. She'll be a great mom!

Good luck! Hens are perfect to keep the chicks warm. No need for a brooder plate.

The main problem with chicks in autumn is the short days and chicks need a lot of hours eating good food to grow. Like chick feed with 18-20% protein. If its too cold to eat (the chicks need to go out from under mama long enough), its great to arrange some extra indoor space to give more time to eat and where the temp is a bit warmer than outside. Lengthening the day a few hours with a light and give a very little extra warmth can be helpful too depending on where you live.
Please add your country or state in your profile.

 

[Bsmac]

Hello! Welcome to BYC! Sorry you have had to sort through so many issues. I hope your hatch goes well! She is a pretty bird btw!

 

[BoundlessLove]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!
Please feel free to post pics of your chicks when they hatch.

 

[N F C]

Hi, you've certainly dealt with your share of challenges...if you need any help or have questions, just post in the appropriate forum. Best of luck with your hatch!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

I'll try to get a brooder plate out there to help.

This is absolutely not necessary. She'll be able to take care of her chicks just fine.

 

[muddy75]

 

[sourland]

Good morning and welcome to BYC

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I am so sorry about your issues. I know it takes some of the joy away from chicken keeping but hang in there. When you are stressed we are here to help.