- Nov 15, 2014
- 9
- 14
- 74
I have 9 buff orphangtons, and 3 polish hens. Some of the buffs are up to five or six years old. Last spring a friend wanted to start a small flock so I purchased 5 orphangtons from the hatchery I have used for several years, had them vaccinated for Mereks and raised them till they were 6 weeks old or so and sent them home with them. About 2 weeks ago they decided backyard chickens were not for them and asked if I would take them back. They were very healthy looking. I didn't think anything about it and did. My hens set out on the pecking order but within a few days they were part of the flock. Unfortunately, 2 days ago I found 2 of my older hens very sick and both have died. They were extremely skinny, eyes were almost closed, legs were weak and couldn't hold themselves up, and they were all fluffed up. First, is it possible that the new girls brought in some kind of disease even though I raised them on my farm for almost 2 month? Second, should we quit eating the eggs until we know? Any help would be appreciated.