Isolating and lethargic hen

[FrauFrost]

Yeah it is a quail/pheasant starter but the TS told me it was the one to get when i bought it. I questioned them on whether or not it would have too much protein. I have a group of 3 australorp day old chicks coming from a friend this week - i'll put them on the lower protein. My older gang hasn't been on it for about 6 weeks. Okay - yes they get fresh feed and water daily. I clean their coop every two weeks or so. Nesting boxes every few days. May I ask if you put something down on the floor of the run for your ladies? I have a few friends that leave dirt so they can take baths. Just wondering if there is a more sanitized way to go. It's a small run and not conducive to daily cleanings and unfortunately they can't free range as I live on an open 300 acres and have lots of bald eagles and hawks about during the day. I did an enormous amount of research for years before I got them and now am second guessing everything. Again - thanks for your help.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Stop second guessing yourself. You are doing fine. The 24%starter is not that big of a deal if you have only used one bag. I would finish that up so it's not wasted or you can mix it with regular chick starter - I apologize if I made it sound like you were doing something wrong. Longterm high protein can cause damage.

 

[FrauFrost]

Just wanted to give you guys an update. Maisie turned out to be a roo - and even fooled our vet. She (he) was so emaciated and underdeveloped - he had no saddle feathers or waddles. It was as if he bloomed overnight. He also is doing much better. I started him on vitamins and finished the last of the meds and we are acclimating him back to his brothers and sister. Thank you for all your help. I used all the tips and I really think the culmination of the things helped!!!Thank you again

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Glad to hear HE is doing better, thank you for the update

 

[rebrascora]

Hi

I'm pleased that your sick bird picked up but I think you are heading for further problems with 3 adolescent males and one female penned together. Even one cockerel and one pullet would be a problem, but I fear for the pullet's wellbeing and safety with 3 young bucks in her pen. Once those hormones hit the boys, her life will be a misery. I would strongly recommend you put all the boys in an adjacent pen (a bachelor pad or rooster flock), or rehome or butcher them, sooner rather than later because those hormones usually kick in at about 15-16 weeks . This could turn horrible very quickly. Male chickens can be merciless and may repeatedly gang mate her.... often before she is sexually mature and ready for such attention. In a more natural situation there would be mature adult birds that would run the young bucks off until their hormones were more stable or at least teach them some manners and protect the pullet, but this really could get ugly quickly for her with no protection and no where to hide. I've seen young males even try to mate them when they have gone up onto a roost to get out of the way.