Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[berkeleysprings]

i know them , great people , nice birds ,nice eggs

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[Debbi]

I may need some help here. I went out to check on the chooks around noon, and noticed one of the 5 month old pullets standing off by herself, fluffed up. It was a fairly warm day, 50s, but cloudy and damp. Got her in the coop to inspect her, thought maybe crop was looking a bit larger than normal. Felt the crop, and while it was full, it was not hard. She didn't seem to have any problems running to get away from me, but when she stopped, she went back to the fluffed ball-like posture. Looked to me, just watching her like she had a belly ache. I did worm all of them with Wazine 17 on Monday, and all others are fine. She was fine this morning, but by noon looked like this. She is the only one that the dirty old man Fuglee has been breeding for like the last 2 weeks on a regular basis. Her stomach and vent did not appear to be hard, nor could I feel an egg. I've never had to deal with a sick chicken, so I'm at a loss here. She was eating, drinking, and pooping earlier today. I brought her in the house and put a lamp at one end of the cage for her, and she seems to be appreciating the warmth. I gave her a squirt of vitamins/electrolytes, and a squirt of olive oil in case it may be her crop. She has access to vit/electrolyte water, and feed, but so far she's just laying down getting warm. Any suggestions here?? Will go to town in the morning for some yogurt and antibiotics, of course this would happen when nothing is in the house!

 

[sewandgrow]

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Hi Cheryl,
Marla Ens breeds Wheatens in Fresno. I don't think she posts here but she is very good at responding to emails.
Karen in Turlock

 

[sewandgrow]

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I tried Wheatens, but both roosters I had were MEAN. I also contacted another breeder in attempts to find one that would not attack me each time I looked at him...they said that their Wheaten roosters were not always gentlemen either. I now have five wheaten girls with no boyfriend. Such a shame! Wheatens are just beautiful!

Hi Kristie,
My Wheaton rooster has always been a gentleman. I have him in apen with 2 pullets that are not yet at POL. I have 3 other pullets younger than those. I think it interesting how different his crow is to the BCM who lives right next door to him & his girls. So may little interesting things raising these birdies.......LOL

 

[berkeleysprings]

sounds like your doing the right thing , keep her warm , and warm oat meal wouldnt hert
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[fowled-out]

Here is my best black copper roo, Please let me know how he is. Be harsh if you have too. He is a pure wade jean stock, hatched out of a very dark egg. He's only 5 months old.

 

[math ace]

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I have never had anyone sick before either, so I am no help. The only time my birds have acted as described was when they were being picked on by others.

Please, keep us updated. What antibotic and where are you getting it from ? ?

 

[berkeleysprings]

i know nothing about bc but i love the comb but the tail angle needs some work ,,,, but dont we all..........how old is he ?

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[berkeleysprings]

lucky i havent had a mean wheaten roo out of 20+ i raised this summer all of them eat out of your hands but one person in west va got some stock from me and got a naSsty one ..... the only trouble i have is with a silkie roo ..... if i were a red shirt or any color close to that , it makes him mad ....so ya cant wear red or your kickin chicken every time u go into the coop
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I tried Wheatens, but both roosters I had were MEAN. I also contacted another breeder in attempts to find one that would not attack me each time I looked at him...they said that their Wheaten roosters were not always gentlemen either. I now have five wheaten girls with no boyfriend. Such a shame! Wheatens are just beautiful!

 

[Debbi]

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I have never had anyone sick before either, so I am no help. The only time my birds have acted as described was when they were being picked on by others.

Please, keep us updated. What antibotic and where are you getting it from ? ?

I can get antibiotics from the feed store. I usually have on hand at least some penicillan or ampicillan. Of course not this time, unless you count a bottle of injectable that expired in 2002! Gees, got to clean out the drug drawer of the fridge! She seems to be better a bit, and has stood up and is eyeballing the food dish and water. I offered her some but she refused. Will give her a syringe full of vit/elec water before I go to bed if I don't see her drink. What I have noticed, is she seems to keep her left eyelid closed, just the left one. As she stands, her tail is down, and her back kind of hunched towards the rear. Can't see this one being picked on, she is THE bully of the pack, even if she is the smallest. Not as puffed up as she was, guess the lamp helped with that. Will keep a vigil on her tonight, at least she is not worse, and even seems a bit better. Don't even have any oatmeal in the house! Sheesh, time to stock up!