is backyard chickens dying out or am I just SOL?

[U_Stormcrow]

Is this website dying out? Last year I had to come on here several times for issues with my chickens(I was a new coop mom, so every little thing scared me) but I ALWAYS got responses super fast. Like at least three in just minutes. Now I have to wait hours for even one response, and sometimes it’s not even advice… should I be using different tags? Is there a way to get my posts to be seen by more people or is this website just not as popular as it was a year ago? Really not trying to complain, I just need more help! Google can’t help like chicken people can.

BYC is what you make it. If you treat it like a version of Wikipedia where someone else looks for answers to the questions you pose - and where you bump or repost when your desire for instant gratification isn't immediately satisfied, yes, I can see where that impression might arise.

I've found it to be a growing community. But then, i've participated in the community (as seen by my post count) for more reasons than simply asking questions of it. I've asked questions, yes - but I've given back by sharing experience as well.

Saw a few of your posts. Did you the courtesy of not answering them. Why was it a courtesy? Because I'm largely ignorant on the subject of poultry injury and illness. Everyone here is VOLUNTEERING their time. They owe you nothing. NOT ONE WIT. NADA. ZIP. ZERO.

I'm not a particularly social person - frankly, I make a bad human - and your post somehow managed to rub me the wrong way. Maybe not your intent, and I'm not going to help you with advice to a question you didn't ask - because I'm not qualified to opine on how to interact socially under the guise of a decent human being - but if the intent was passive-aggressive "me first" screed, I'd judge you made at least a high school worthy effort at the subject. B+

 

[Shadrach]

I would add that there is an article or thread to just about every problem imaginable to do with poultry on this site.
There is also a search function. Not many use it it seems.
I see "I need help now" type posts over and over.
There are lots of knowleadable people here on BYC on a great many topics but they aquired their knowledge through experience, research and strangly, patience.
I'm constantly astounded by just how many of these demanding type posts a reply at all let alone from people who are willing to offer sound advice and often stay with the thread until the issue is resolved.
As for the chat; just don't look at those threads and yes I agree there is more content unrelated to chickens than before. Look who starts such posts and avoid any further content by that person.

 

[CapricornFarm]

It seems there are a lot of people who don't educate themselves about chickens and just want to have an instant answer. There are a lot of good books out there. And you can search here on BYC. Often there are so many posts about the same old issues.
And the other thing is, once people get an answer...they don't follow advice. They wait for multiple answers and then pick the easiest solution. Like the issue is so urgent, and then when told they need medication X...they say, yeah i will get some when i go get groceries on Thursday for example.
The thing with chickens is, they try to hide the fact that they're sick. So people may not even realize the bird is ill until it's too late anyway. So visit the chickens often. If they seem off at all, search for the symptoms they present. Buy a selection of common remedies so you have them on hand. Set up a cage or small coop you can provide heat and isolation in. Often birds will get picked on when ill. Isolate them right away, and if weather is cold, provide heat. They must have enough space to move away from the heat source if they get too hot. Give them high protein feed to tempt them to eat. Vitamins in their water. Unless they show signs of coccidiosis. In which case, they need Corid or sweet bleach. Now! Start a notebook of things you learn about illnesses and how to treat them. What dosages are indicated, and how often. Write down how they respond.
If you are not going to the vet, then it is up to you to look the bird over well and discover what symptoms it has. Then research what needs to be done. And do it.
If you buy your birds from a local breeder, they will likely try to help you out when issues arise. Don't think the feed store is going to be your source of information, as they are not going to have the knowledge needed.
I used to spend a lot of time answering posts, but i have gotten older and don't have a lot of time to spare. I cut my flock way back and intend to sell off more because i don't have the energy to care for so many birds myself.
I hope everyone has the time, money and energy to care for the birds they have , and educate themselves how to do so. There are tons on cases on record here for the most common issues. Cudos to those folks who are willing to spend their time answering posts.
Good luck to all the new people. Find a local mentor to go to, in order to learn more about the breeds of chickens. Join a group in your area and make friends with experienced people. Learn from them.
I belong to several local groups so i can learn about swap dates and locations. You can go to swaps and ask people for information as well. Most people with chickens love to talk about chickens.
And yes, post one thread in the Emergency section with your urgent problem. You will get answers, but no one gets paid to answer posts so be patient. Good luck, and enjoy learning.

 

[sixlittlechickens]

I often don't reply to posts that can be solved by a quick google search. That's basically saying "I'm too lazy to do my own research, can you waste your time and do it for me?" Also, I feel like there are MORE people on here asking questions, and less people answering them. And I only answer posts that I feel like I can actually help with.

 

[bhaugh]

I rarely come on here anymore. Just busy with life. I think some of the answers here are a bit rough to the poster. She has a legit complaint and we really shouldn't attack her because when the next issue comes up, she might not post at all. And that would be a shame.
The best lessons unfortunately are the ones we experience. Most of my questions over the years didn't unfortunately save birds or prevent a disaster. I only learned them through the school of hard knocks. This site is still a great "tool" to look for eggs, chicks or to try and help others out.
I actually was going to post a complaint about the really poor eggs being sold. I laugh because I now know it will clog the feed.

 

[Windrider]

I would add that there is an article or thread to just about every problem imaginable to do with poultry on this site.
There is also a search function. Not many use it it seems.

This! When I first joined and for years, I used this site ONLY as a source of info, through the searches and articles. I didn't need anything else. I only started posting socially during the pandemic, because I had more time. I had no posts about chickens and Shad even thought I didn't have any! (which is actually true at the moment)

I still consider myself a chicken newbie, and usually only give advice on the coop build forum, because I am good at building things. I am not comfortable trying to talk someone through a problem I don't have direct experience with, though I'll point them in the direction of an article.