INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[Leahs Mom]

I don't worm routinely. I have a policy that I only worm an animal if I have a positive fecal sample that indicates the need. (In the case of a flock, just a sample from the flock in general, gathered from several locations, as a representative. I feel it's too hard on the system to do it unless there's a real need.

 

[Leahs Mom]

@Soon2BChixMom
I have some questions about your bare bottomed chicken.

Does she appear to be acting normally for a chicken? (Actively running with the flock, eating and drinking well, etc.?)
Does she isolate herself from the flock at all - like standing by herself in a corner of the pen, etc.?
Is her "stance" the same as the other chickens - or does she have the appearance of standing "upright" instead? When standing still, does she have the chicken stance or does she kind of "puff up"?

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I don't worm routinely. I have a policy that I only worm an animal if I have a positive fecal sample that indicates the need. (In the case of a flock, just a sample from the flock in general, gathered from several locations, as a representative. I feel it's too hard on the system to do it unless there's a real need.

Agreed. With the recent events here, everything is getting wormed. The chickens and turkeys scratch up the cow patties, and my geese/ducks swim in the pond the cattle wade and lay in. My cows and goats run together except birthing season, so they were exposed and are susceptible to those worms. Going forward starting this fall I'm getting on a fecal test schedule with my vet. Poor guy, that's a whole lotta poop

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

@Soon2BChixMom
I have some questions about your bare bottomed chicken.

Does she appear to be acting normally for a chicken? (Actively running with the flock, eating and drinking well, etc.?)
Does she isolate herself from the flock at all - like standing by herself in a corner of the pen, etc.?
Is her "stance" the same as the other chickens - or does she have the appearance of standing "upright" instead? When standing still, does she have the chicken stance or does she kind of "puff up"?

Every thing sees to be normal. I stood out there for about 30 mins solid watching them this evening. The only thing I noticed that I thought was odd was that she looked like she was going to poo, but only air came out from what I could tell? But, I figure chickens fart too. In the nest box where she sleeps she normally has small droppings.

 

[Leahs Mom]

When you say she looked like she was going to poo - does she hold that stance for awhile, or just quickly like she's going to poo and then it's done?

Does her lower abdomen appear to be bloated or heavy, kind of weighing her down?

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

When you say she looked like she was going to poo - does she hold that stance for awhile, or just quickly like she's going to poo and then it's done?

Does her lower abdomen appear to be bloated or heavy, kind of weighing her down?

Just quickly. It was after I held her to check her for lice and mites and to see what was going on. Other than the redness and lack of feathers her abdomen looks fine. She is pretty vocal and active. She's one of the first to express her disappointment if I don't let them out from the smaller run into the larger run.

 

[Leahs Mom]

That's good!

 

[faerydust16]

So will my chickens start to recognize me and run to me instead of from me? I feel like they're starting to do that since I am the bringer of food and water. Lol

 

[Leahs Mom]

Yep Food is a great motivator.

 

[Faraday40]

So will my chickens start to recognize me and run to me instead of from me? I feel like they're starting to do that since I am the bringer of food and water. Lol

That's definitely what will happen!

If you really want them to love you, try bringing out some mealworms. Give them 1-2 near you & then hold them out for the birds to take from your hand . Not all chickens enjoy being held, but even those more flighty birds will learn to come to you for treats.