I had an awful month where I basically lost two birds back to back. Then, Stacey got flystrike. She had an infection, but I was not able to get any antibiotics which led to continued diarrhea and then led to the flies coming back. I had to check her daily and such. And then out came Puffle with an infected eye! Chickens can be a handful sometimes.I don't typically have "issues" in my flock of 24 (12 pullets, 12 hens. Well, 11 hens now). But I had to put a hen down this morning after trying for three days to relieve a blocked crop. She seemed perfectly fine until suddenly she wasn't. When I tossed out their scratch the other day she was supporting herself on her wings and I was able to catch her easily, which was unusual.
And I spotted another one limping.
I am sorry Blue.I don't typically have "issues" in my flock of 24 (12 pullets, 12 hens. Well, 11 hens now). But I had to put a hen down this morning after trying for three days to relieve a blocked crop. She seemed perfectly fine until suddenly she wasn't. When I tossed out their scratch the other day she was supporting herself on her wings and I was able to catch her easily, which was unusual.
And I spotted another one limping.
Most aggressive roosters weren't raised in established flocks. If they're chased and flogged and pecked and humbled growing up they learn quick not to be butt holes.
Agreed! My best roosters have been raised by other roosters and bossy hens.
Little man syndrome !
Naughty girl…
Indeed. She is fierce.
Fair to say you're no push over when it comes to roosters!
Lamar our black Orpington was raised with his mixed flock and babied. I just think he’s just got raging hormones at the moment. Nobody picked in him. But he’s tried to rape our drake Bob as well as humping his duck girls. Then he alienated our large Embden gander Tony. Tony’s a sweet boy and very gentle with his flock, children and adults. However recently whenever Lamar gets near Tony, Tony shops Lamar away and follows him a bit and may gently nip at him. My guess is that Lamar probably attacked Tony multiple times. Both are exactly the same age but Lamar weighs 3-4lbs and Tony weighs 25lbs and is still growing.
