Tweetledee
Chirping
Howdy chicken peeps
(Fairly) new chicken mama here. Got my first three hens in September 22 and added two more layers soon after.
Sadly, Ive already lost one of my chicks to what we believe to have been an egg bound issue. I tried to help her but was unsuccessful. My remaining four girls seem to be feeling the loss and I think they may be depressed. They come out of their enclosure into their extended run for short periods and race back into the enclosure. Whereas before they were always scratching about.
Ive tried giving them lots of attention and sitting with them as much as I can, as well as giving them vitamins and treats.
Of my flock, only 3 were laying. The other 2 are not ready yet and sadly after the shakeup in the coop, only my older hen is laying, so Im down to 1 laying bird.
I have a feeling the hen that died was at the top, so maybe they need to re arrange the pecking order. That, or she protected them and now they feel exposed and so they hide.
Ive tried hanging cds around their run to fend off the other birds that visit. Lately the Indian Mynars are up to their annoying screeches and that could also be what's freaking my girls out more? Its just so weird how they RACE back into their enclosure and huddle under the roof where they dustbath all day.
Im on the fence about getting a rooster but Im scared of cracking open and egg and finding an embryo inside. Is that a weird fear
? Also, our coop is right against my wall and a Rooster will surely get my neigbours complaining and I dont want that. Then again, a rooster may be good for chasing rats (not sure that they do), but again... embryo in my breakfast will freak me out!
So much to learn, but hopefully Ill get there
(Fairly) new chicken mama here. Got my first three hens in September 22 and added two more layers soon after.
Sadly, Ive already lost one of my chicks to what we believe to have been an egg bound issue. I tried to help her but was unsuccessful. My remaining four girls seem to be feeling the loss and I think they may be depressed. They come out of their enclosure into their extended run for short periods and race back into the enclosure. Whereas before they were always scratching about.
Ive tried giving them lots of attention and sitting with them as much as I can, as well as giving them vitamins and treats.
Of my flock, only 3 were laying. The other 2 are not ready yet and sadly after the shakeup in the coop, only my older hen is laying, so Im down to 1 laying bird.
I have a feeling the hen that died was at the top, so maybe they need to re arrange the pecking order. That, or she protected them and now they feel exposed and so they hide.
Ive tried hanging cds around their run to fend off the other birds that visit. Lately the Indian Mynars are up to their annoying screeches and that could also be what's freaking my girls out more? Its just so weird how they RACE back into their enclosure and huddle under the roof where they dustbath all day.
Im on the fence about getting a rooster but Im scared of cracking open and egg and finding an embryo inside. Is that a weird fear
? Also, our coop is right against my wall and a Rooster will surely get my neigbours complaining and I dont want that. Then again, a rooster may be good for chasing rats (not sure that they do), but again... embryo in my breakfast will freak me out!So much to learn, but hopefully Ill get there
Sorry for your loss 
to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC! 
