Lakenvelders? Any thoughts?

[Chief]

Thanks to all! She still thinks that she wants the Lakenvelders, but free range might not be too good. At this point we live near a development full of homes and a fairly busy road. Not to mention the possible squabbles thru the wire with my OEG's. We might try them with a really big run, and see if they can be comfortable.

 

[Jamin Mayer]

Bump.

I had one Silver Lakenvelder die yesterday. This one was at the bottom of the pecking order for some odd reason. She was pecked quite a bit in the neck. So much that when the weather really got cold, all she wanted to do was try to tuck her head in her chest and puff up to stay warm. She refused water and food. Since she was being an "outcast" the others sometimes took advantage and pecked her until she was all alone for about a week. I tried to give her water multiple times with a syringe. But, she didn't want it at all. She had no symptoms of disease (at least what I could observe by behavior and externally on her). Since she wasn't eating or drinking, she was weak. I'd hold her to warm her up and she didn't care that I was holding her (when she was normal she hated to be held). When I'd set her down, she'd loose balance and nearly fall forward on her face. But, she'd correct herself and sit there puffed up blinking slowly.

I have one more Silver Lakenvelder and she is puffing up and standing quite a bit, but when I go close to her she runs (like normal). She eats and drinks like normal too. I'm hoping the other bigger birds don't pick on her... We'll see.

 

[easttxchick]

Quote:
Sounds like more than just low on the pecking order to me-could be something else going on. Keep a good eye on your flock.
My Lakenvelder hens are very sassy and bossy so this doesn't sound like their personality to me at all.
Hope she does OK.

 

[elevan]

This is my Silver Lakenvelder, Lucky. She was the sole survivor of a mink attack that took the lives of all 10 of her coop mates. Prior to the attack she was very flighty and standoffish. After she is very calm and doesn't mind being held. She doesn't mind confinement. And loves to free range.

 

[elevan]

This is my Silver Lakenvelder, Lucky. She was the sole survivor of a mink attack that took the lives of all 10 of her coop mates. Prior to the attack she was very flighty and standoffish. After she is very calm and doesn't mind being held. She doesn't mind confinement. And loves to free range.

 

[Alycia]

Awww how fitting

Lucky. She is really pretty.