- Jun 8, 2013
- 17
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In July, I had 3 hens surprise me w/ 15 chicks (I didn't think the eggs would hatch & left them for the broody hens) ! There was 1 black & one white Silkie, & a lg. black Australorp. Having gotten rid of a lg., nasty rooster some weeks before, I'm pretty sure he's not the dad. That leaves 1 buff Silkie. There were 2 colors of chicks: Partridge & Black. I sold the blacks, but kept 1 w/ interesting markings. This one started to grow feathers to replace the fuzz, so I knew it wasn't a full Silkie. It also has the extra toes, feathered legs, tuft on head, & dark skin. Is it possible that it's a Silkie/Australorp Mix? Surprised that a Silkie rooster could mate w/ such a lg. hen!
Anyway, this left me w/ 6 chicks, which I kept separate in a lg. cage for safety & medicated feed. One hot (90 degrees) day, I went out to find 1 dead. I moved the cage to a cooler location (shade & a breeze), but 1, then another died. So I moved them into our much cooler house, to keep an eye on them. Another died! Left me w/ 1 Silkie & 1 mix(?). What on earth happened?!? Why did they just drop dead w/ no signs or symptoms? Was it too hot for them? (guy at feed store said that was it). So, chicks like 90 degrees for awhile after hatching, then find it too hot when they're bigger? I just don't get it....... Ideas anyone?
Anyway, this left me w/ 6 chicks, which I kept separate in a lg. cage for safety & medicated feed. One hot (90 degrees) day, I went out to find 1 dead. I moved the cage to a cooler location (shade & a breeze), but 1, then another died. So I moved them into our much cooler house, to keep an eye on them. Another died! Left me w/ 1 Silkie & 1 mix(?). What on earth happened?!? Why did they just drop dead w/ no signs or symptoms? Was it too hot for them? (guy at feed store said that was it). So, chicks like 90 degrees for awhile after hatching, then find it too hot when they're bigger? I just don't get it....... Ideas anyone?
