missalis
In the Brooder
Hi BYC Folks,
Although I'm new to BYC, I'm not necessarily new to chickens. I started about 2 years ago with a flock of 4 hens- 2 barred rocks and 2 ameraucanas (LOVE their green eggs). I keep them for eggs, but more importantly for gardening company and entertainment! They live in my backyard in a spacious, fully enclosed run directly next to my vegetable garden.
Recently I lost my top hen to the neighbor's bird dog, one of the barred rocks. The dog broke through the fence while my flock was out free-ranging while I was gardening. Although I was right there, there was nothing I could do to stop it. That was my first loss since starting with raising chickens and needless to say I was devastated. Then, just 2 short weeks after that I lost one of my ameraucanas suddenly and without warning. No signs of illness, no injuries, no predator break-ins. I think she may have been egg-bound, but showed no symptoms. This prompted me to get 3 new baby chicks, to keep up my flock and give my other 2 girls some more company.
So, I went to the local feed store and picked up one more barred rock and 2 speckled sussex pullets. All vaccinated from the hatchery. It's been about 3 weeks, and they have all been peeping away happily in their brooder. Yesterday I noticed one of the Sussex was looking a little droopy - standing still by herself, kind of hunched with her eyes closed. She is also noticeably smaller than the others, not growing as quickly and not eating. Her stool is a little runny, but no blood that I could see. The others are acting/eating normally, hopping around and being chickens. The symptoms say coccidiosis, but she's been vaccinated so I'm not sure. I've been keeping a close eye on her and administering electrolytes/probiotics in the water to see if that improves things before jumping right into medicating (Corid?). They are about 3 weeks old now, and I have been very diligent with changing feed/water/litter daily.
I have read posts on BYC for the past 2 years, only as an observer, and it just seems like a great bunch of people and the advice so far (although I've never chimed in until now) has helped me get started in the world of raising chickens. I hate to be joining under such bad circumstances, but I feel like I've had the worst few weeks of luck with my chickies! I'm concerned there is something that I may be doing wrong. I posted about my new chick problem in a thread under the Emergencies/Diseases/Injuries an Cures forum category as well and so far the responses have been encouraging.
I am glad I finally decided to join the BYC community, and I look forward to hearing from everyone and getting to know the world of backyard chickening a little better! As far as my little chick goes, I will be doing all I can to try and bring her back to health. Of course any advice/suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks!
Although I'm new to BYC, I'm not necessarily new to chickens. I started about 2 years ago with a flock of 4 hens- 2 barred rocks and 2 ameraucanas (LOVE their green eggs). I keep them for eggs, but more importantly for gardening company and entertainment! They live in my backyard in a spacious, fully enclosed run directly next to my vegetable garden.
Recently I lost my top hen to the neighbor's bird dog, one of the barred rocks. The dog broke through the fence while my flock was out free-ranging while I was gardening. Although I was right there, there was nothing I could do to stop it. That was my first loss since starting with raising chickens and needless to say I was devastated. Then, just 2 short weeks after that I lost one of my ameraucanas suddenly and without warning. No signs of illness, no injuries, no predator break-ins. I think she may have been egg-bound, but showed no symptoms. This prompted me to get 3 new baby chicks, to keep up my flock and give my other 2 girls some more company.
So, I went to the local feed store and picked up one more barred rock and 2 speckled sussex pullets. All vaccinated from the hatchery. It's been about 3 weeks, and they have all been peeping away happily in their brooder. Yesterday I noticed one of the Sussex was looking a little droopy - standing still by herself, kind of hunched with her eyes closed. She is also noticeably smaller than the others, not growing as quickly and not eating. Her stool is a little runny, but no blood that I could see. The others are acting/eating normally, hopping around and being chickens. The symptoms say coccidiosis, but she's been vaccinated so I'm not sure. I've been keeping a close eye on her and administering electrolytes/probiotics in the water to see if that improves things before jumping right into medicating (Corid?). They are about 3 weeks old now, and I have been very diligent with changing feed/water/litter daily.
I have read posts on BYC for the past 2 years, only as an observer, and it just seems like a great bunch of people and the advice so far (although I've never chimed in until now) has helped me get started in the world of raising chickens. I hate to be joining under such bad circumstances, but I feel like I've had the worst few weeks of luck with my chickies! I'm concerned there is something that I may be doing wrong. I posted about my new chick problem in a thread under the Emergencies/Diseases/Injuries an Cures forum category as well and so far the responses have been encouraging.
I am glad I finally decided to join the BYC community, and I look forward to hearing from everyone and getting to know the world of backyard chickening a little better! As far as my little chick goes, I will be doing all I can to try and bring her back to health. Of course any advice/suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks!
