Maine

[ashandvine]

It is most common for 'non thriving' chicks to die in the first week. Sorry Quail, but there are some parts to keeping chickens that aren't all fun and fluffy and that is certainly one of the disappointments. We just had one go ourselves. It had a bit of an umbilical hernea.

Thank you Widget for the story.

Lazy is right. The medicated food is to help with cocci.

 

[quailtrail]

It is most common for 'non thriving' chicks to die in the first week. Sorry Quail, but there are some parts to keeping chickens that aren't all fun and fluffy and that is certainly one of the disappointments. We just had one go ourselves. It had a bit of an umbilical hernea.

Thank you Widget for the story.

Lazy is right. The medicated food is to help with cocci.

Thanks! I know these are part of it. MY DD did better than me! I'm glad to hear everyone saying the same thing about medicated food. Some people swear by it and not sure why?? Is it because no one got sick & they thought it was the medicated food???

 

[ashandvine]

That's one guess. If you have chicks in the heat for any length of time you'll know that medicated does help keep the cocci in check but clean brooders that are large enough for all your chicks helps too. Yours didn't die of sickness I am betting. Its just failure to thrive. It happens. I am sure we all would like to fix those things but some just aren't meant for fixing.

Fertility in the Marans is finally starting an upturn. Phew.

Anyone planning on being at the Windsor show next month? I plan to show a trio of Orloffs [come see them they are awesome and so rare] probably my Mottled Java since they are also pretty unseen up here [but she isn't that great for sop] and my son will certainly be showing his cochins and my daughter wants to try showing our little Polish Cap bantam hen. You know, horses are pretty quick to be thought of when we think of therapy for kids-- or dogs of course, but there are other species that can help a child accomplish the same growth in confidence or empathy or social skills or a combination. I believe growing up with animals has benefits that aren't widely discussed but I am sure those of you who see your kids with your birds and for your kids who see you doing the work of caring for something they are growing in ways children without are not. Soap box sliding back under the bed now.

 

[Branch Chickens]

I live in the next town over, so I may stop by to check out the show. I would love to see your birds!

 

[quailtrail]

That's one guess. If you have chicks in the heat for any length of time you'll know that medicated does help keep the cocci in check but clean brooders that are large enough for all your chicks helps too. Yours didn't die of sickness I am betting. Its just failure to thrive. It happens. I am sure we all would like to fix those things but some just aren't meant for fixing.

Fertility in the Marans is finally starting an upturn. Phew.

Anyone planning on being at the Windsor show next month? I plan to show a trio of Orloffs [come see them they are awesome and so rare] probably my Mottled Java since they are also pretty unseen up here [but she isn't that great for sop] and my son will certainly be showing his cochins and my daughter wants to try showing our little Polish Cap bantam hen. You know, horses are pretty quick to be thought of when we think of therapy for kids-- or dogs of course, but there are other species that can help a child accomplish the same growth in confidence or empathy or social skills or a combination. I believe growing up with animals has benefits that aren't widely discussed but I am sure those of you who see your kids with your birds and for your kids who see you doing the work of caring for something they are growing in ways children without are not. Soap box sliding back under the bed now.

I absolutely agree!!! My kids are learning so much about responibilities, animal care, cycle of life, evolution, learning how to be self-sustaining, ...I could go on forever! Best decision I ever made was getting chickens...and talk about therapuetic!!!!

 

[ashandvine]

I finally have bantam Cochins developing! We have set and found about two dozen eggs were infertile so far. After clipping feathers a lot-- though probably not enough on the birds I really want to have chicks out of because we are showing soon, but "yey." Finally. I candled 7 and two were developing much to my shock and delight. So, I set one and a half dozen more lol Now if only this new gander and my RO cockerel would learn how to mount properly we might get some of those before the season gets too late.

 

[CoopChick719]

Thanks. I have tried to explain this to DH but he is stubborn. I will hold my ground though as I am stubborn too.

Stick to your guns, QT!

When I first started keeping chickens, DH would come home with "what everyone at work said I should be doing". It ranged from She'll get them but you'll have to take care of them--which is a big NOT!
1. You've got to clip their beaks or they'll peck each other to death. WRONG
2. You can't feed them eggs. They'll start eating them and you won't have any. WRONG
3. You can't keep a broody hen with chicks in the coop. It will be too cold. The rooster/other hens will kill them. WRONG! My rooster at the time was the most gentle, caring papa you've ever seen. Disciplined the big girls who tried to mess w/the chicks; brought food for the babies & even let them eat out of his mouth.

I told him I've done my research and have a vast amount of people on BYC that I can reach out to for help.

 

[quailtrail]

Stick to your guns, QT!

When I first started keeping chickens, DH would come home with "what everyone at work said I should be doing". It ranged from She'll get them but you'll have to take care of them--which is a big NOT!
1. You've got to clip their beaks or they'll peck each other to death. WRONG
2. You can't feed them eggs. They'll start eating them and you won't have any. WRONG
3. You can't keep a broody hen with chicks in the coop. It will be  too cold. The rooster/other hens will kill them. WRONG! My rooster at the time was the most gentle, caring papa you've ever seen. Disciplined the big girls who tried to mess w/the chicks; brought food for the babies & even let them eat out of his mouth.

I told him I've done my research and have a vast amount of people on BYC that I can reach out to for help.

Thats what I said!! I have yoy guys and BYC!!!

 

[IZZYBELLA]

Anyone planning on being at the Windsor show next month?  I plan to show a trio of Orloffs [come see them they are awesome and so rare] probably my Mottled Java since they are also pretty unseen up here [but she isn't that great for sop] and my son will certainly be showing his cochins and my daughter wants to try showing our little Polish Cap bantam hen.  You know, horses are pretty quick to be thought of when we think of therapy for kids-- or dogs of course, but there are other species that can help a child accomplish the same growth in confidence or empathy or social skills or a combination.  I believe growing up with animals has benefits that aren't widely discussed but I am sure those of you who see your kids with your birds and for your kids who see you doing the work of caring for something they are growing in ways children without are not.  Soap box sliding back under the bed now.

I'm going to the show! Will look for you and your birds.

 

[Cknldy]

I give medicated feed for the first two weeks then switch to starter/grower. I also give sav-a-chic for at least the first few waterer fill ups. It has worked out good for me but I haven't tried anything different to know if that is what makes a difference. The chicks do tend to eat more (I think?) when they are switched to the non-medicated but again, that could be because they are older or because I start them on wet feed. So many variables! You don't HAVE to use medicated as some folks have tried to tell me too. It's just whatever works for you and you are comfortable with doing.