Iowa Blues - Breed thread and discussion

[karimw]

I see quite a variation on age of laying. My original hatchery line started laying at 20 - 22 weeks, but some of my bigger birds from the Sandhill line didn't start until over 6 months.

 

[Candy442]

I see quite a variation on age of laying. My original hatchery line started laying at 20 - 22 weeks, but some of my bigger birds from the Sandhill line didn't start until over 6 months.

Then we must have a strong Leghorn influence in our line! Sweetie was barely16 weeks when she laid her first (it was super tiny) and we usually see eggs from all colors of Iowa pullets before 22 weeks.

We are not having broody behavior however and I remember Kari you posting the photo of your hens all crowding in the "sack" with broodiness. Going on 2 years and only one of our Iowas, the red smokey went broody out of 16 total hens so far... that being the first just a couple of months ago!

 

[Jay H]

Looking for Iowa blue eggs or trio possibly. I live near the Missouri -Iowa line in the north east corner. I got rid of all my chickens when I got divorced and am looking for something unique to raise. I used to raise Black Silkies.

Any leads would be appreciated thanks.

 

[Candy442]

Looking for Iowa blue eggs or trio possibly. I live near the Missouri -Iowa line in the north east corner. I got rid of all my chickens when I got divorced and am looking for something unique to raise. I used to raise Black Silkies.

Any leads would be appreciated thanks.

If you click on the Iowa Blue Chicken Club link in my signature, there is a breeder directory

Find one of us that is closest

 

[IACraig]

I am having an amount of loss in my flock. Theyre at about 10 weeks which is a normal time to lose some birds. It seems to be about one or two a week for the last two weeks. I dont think there is much I can do, just wait it out and it seems to be affecting the smallest birds. Thats not a lot of fun, but there's been worse.

Is this abnormal? Any suggestions?

 

[lizzychick]

I am having an amount of loss in my flock. Theyre at about 10 weeks which is a normal time to lose some birds. It seems to be about one or two a week for the last two weeks. I dont think there is much I can do, just wait it out and it seems to be affecting the smallest birds. Thats not a lot of fun, but there's been worse.

Is this abnormal? Any suggestions?

I am sorry for your loss of chicks. Poor little biddies.

I am new to raising chicks this year, I haven't heard of losing chicks around 10 weeks as normal? Is there something I am missing? Should I be watching my biddies for something? They range from 8ish weeks to 12 weeks old.

 

[Candy442]

I am having an amount of loss in my flock. Theyre at about 10 weeks which is a normal time to lose some birds. It seems to be about one or two a week for the last two weeks. I dont think there is much I can do, just wait it out and it seems to be affecting the smallest birds. Thats not a lot of fun, but there's been worse.

Is this abnormal? Any suggestions?

What sorts of behavior are you seeing with the chicks that are passing? The symptoms of the birds would be your best indication of what is wrong. We have had two deaths over the span of an entire year (50 chickens) due to illness. Both were at least 6 months old. I would say losing one or two a week is not normal.

 

[Dirt Farmer]

I am having an amount of loss in my flock. Theyre at about 10 weeks which is a normal time to lose some birds. It seems to be about one or two a week for the last two weeks. I dont think there is much I can do, just wait it out and it seems to be affecting the smallest birds. Thats not a lot of fun, but there's been worse.

Is this abnormal? Any suggestions?

Yes I think this is abnormal. While some commercial broilers may experience deaths around this age, I don't think it is typical in a regular chicken raised in a backyard fashion.
See if your state lab will perform free autopsy or diagnostics for non commercial hobbyists. (They do that here in CA to encourage these flocks to keep clean. ) IA has one of the best labs in the country. I think its affiliated with the APHIS. I have never found any government agency here to be punitive, only helpful. They do physical examination and run labs on dead and live birds. I'd give them one of each if they are willing. You won't get the live one back. At least you would know if you're dealing with something that is infectious or not. I looked up Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 515-294-1950, if you're anywhere near there.

 

[bigmrg74]

The guy who I sold my Iowa cockerel sent me some photos of him today. He's getting to be quite the handsome fellow.

 

[IACraig]

I have lost 4 birds in about 2 and a half weeks. They start to drop their wings and tails to the ground and have problems with balance, but keep eating and drinking as long as they can get around. They last about 48 hrs tops.

Calling Ames is a good idea, and thanks for the research dirt farmer. If one gets sick again I could drive it up there. Its a hike, but what else would I do when its 100 outside? They all look healthy now. I am new to this breed and was wondering is they were vulnerable to some sort of infection or something. Always something with chickens, guess this is better than a predator.