Hi, my name is Christine Snody and I am a new member and new to raising back yard chickens. I started in the middle of August of this year and I had 8 chicken. I had 1 rooster and the rest were suppose to be chicken. My rooster Pete, dies last Thursday. I am not real sure as to why I think he might have been bit by a copper head snake. I was giving him antibiotics but he ended up getting a respiratory infection I think. He put up a good fight, but I wasn't able to get him to eat anything. The only thing I was able to get in him was some water with the antibiotic in it. I used Tetroxy HCA-280 and I also treated all the chickens with Wazine 17 Chicken wormer just in case. I am not getting any eggs yet the first three I got were born in April and the other 5 I got at an auction so I am not sure as to how old they are but I think I might have 2 more rooster from the 5 I got at the action. One of my chickens started walking funny Wednesday and I am not sure as to why. She seems to be having a hard time placing her claw flat like she is babying it, and she isn't acting like her self. If anyone has any ideas as to why let me know I am married and I have 4 children, 3 of whom live with me along with my granddaughter. I am a full time student, and I work at Outback Steakhouse. I am looking forward to learning lots of stuff about chickens and getting to know some of you.
Welcome to BYC! Most chicks hatched in April will start laying sometime during this month or next, depending on breed. Post pictures of the possible roosters here or in the "What Breed or Gender is this?" forum, we may be able to help you confirm their sex. The injury could be a break, sprain, dislocation, slipped tendon, or possibly bumblefoot. I suggest doing a physical exam of the leg and foot. Before you examine your injured bird, carefully feel the body of one of your healthy birds, especially the hip, knee, and hock joints, so you'll have an easier time distinguishing abnormalities.
Hi Christine, welcome to BYC! I'm sorry for the loss of your rooster. Post a complete description of the bird you're having a health issue with over on the emergencies & diseases forum...try to describe in detail what you are seeing and if you could include a pictures, that should help to get a diagnosis. Good luck to you!
