Inherited chickens with the house we purchased, now trying to grow our flock! We're newbies!

[MommaKay]

Hi all!

MommaKay and T-Dad here. We just bought a house last year and inherited 5 chickens. We lost one in December to an unknown cause, in spite of our efforts to save her. We don't know the breed or the age of the 4 remaining chickens.

We also just got 6 chicks given to us, not sexed, and we think 2-3 of them are roosters, but we aren't sure. We bought a few new chicks at Tractor Supply, we've already lost one (unfortunate drowning when we had stepped away for a minute :'( So sad!)

Now we have one that has hardly grown in a week, and we aren't sure what to do! She seems lethargic, is constantly cheeping, and suddenly won't sit or lay down.

Any advice?

 

[cavemanrich]

Just do the BEST you can. Not all chicks will grow into adulthood. Some leave early, while others leave unexpectedly when somewhat grown. All part of the Circle of life.
If you post pix of your chickens,, we can guess breed of your chickens/chicks.
Sorry to hear the drowning incident. May I suggest you place a quantity of marbles into chicks drinking water dish. If you don't have marbles, stone do same. Marbles are easier to clean.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. The Best of Luck with your Chicks! And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you joined us!

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Welcome to BYC @MommaKay

Glad you could join us all here! Sorry to hear about your losses. Unfortunately some just don’t thrive after hatch. Is it’s vent clear?

Good luck with them

 

[Blue Raptor]

Hi all!

MommaKay and T-Dad here. We just bought a house last year and inherited 5 chickens. We lost one in December to an unknown cause, in spite of our efforts to save her. We don't know the breed or the age of the 4 remaining chickens.

We also just got 6 chicks given to us, not sexed, and we think 2-3 of them are roosters, but we aren't sure. We bought a few new chicks at Tractor Supply, we've already lost one (unfortunate drowning when we had stepped away for a minute :'( So sad!)

Now we have one that has hardly grown in a week, and we aren't sure what to do! She seems lethargic, is constantly cheeping, and suddenly won't sit or lay down.

Any advice?

Welcome to BYC!! What does their waterer look like?

 

[N F C]

Hello, it's nice to have you here with us. The other greeters have given you some good things to look into (marbles in the waterer and check the chicks vent). Sorry for your losses, hope things go smoother for you.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Sadly, sometimes chicks just fail to thrive to matter what you do for them. As long as you are monitoring and dealing with any pasty butt, giving them fresh water (I suggest making a suspended baby bottle with a vertical nipple as it keeps the water clean and the brooder dry and there is no way they can drown in it), high quality chick crumble and occasionally give them some poultry nutri-drench to support them along with a good heat source, you've done all you can.

 

[swampfox440]

Hi, welcome to BYC! good luck with your little bird.

 

[Grammy60]

Hi and welcome to BYC So sorry for your loss