Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[snowflake]

I have a question I think I know the answer to, but please lend me your knowledge anyways.

I am losing chickens, they start to limp and then a few days later they are dead when we go out to feed them, I have lost 4 this winter, varying ages and breeds.

The first one I ever lost to this was a year and a half ago and then the next one was this winter, these birds I have now I didn't even have a year and a half ago.

Do I need to just put them down the moment I find them limping, because as of right now, it really feels like they are passing something around, is there any way to save the rest of them, without taking them all to the vet, because honestly, I'm not going to do that, I can't spend that money on my chickens, they are sweet and lovely, but I won't do it.

are there any other symptoms? could be Mareks, have they been vaccinated? Mareks isn't usually that fast but ....did you get them all at the same time?could there be poof some kind around?

We have know about. Although, if our neighbors don't complain, who woul know? I just do its think its right put neighbors and the people behind us can have farms. We are on 3 acres.


A new breed!

lol

she is sweet, That really is not fair, hope no one gives you trouble

 

[fuzzybutt love]

Greenmima have you checked for lice mites and worms? Are they actually limping one foot or staggering. Otherwise which foot? Any sores or frostbite?

 

[greenmimama]

are there any other symptoms? could be Mareks, have they been vaccinated? Mareks isn't usually that fast but ....did you get them all at the same time?could there be poof some kind around?

she is sweet, That really is not fair, hope no one gives you trouble

I got most of them from a hatchery, both Meyers and My Pet Chicken, which at the time got them from Meyers I think, but anyways, I'm not sure if they were vaccinated or not. I'm just so bummed.

They hadn't layer eggs since very early Dec. and only layer a few in Nov, then a couple of weeks ago they started laying quite a bit again and now nothing again. I am so confused.

Now I have my beloved Frizzle is limping and I want to cry, I am cleaning out there coop and laying fresh bedding, hoping maybe it is something that stops spreading through the flock.

Where do I cut it off though, I hate to cull a good hen, but how do I know, is there any way to tell? I need some wisdom here.

 

[chickwhispers]

Quote:

Quote: Make it Five!

Quote:
Oh no I think I maybe in trouble! My EE has stopped laying about 10 days ago! Thought she went on strike from the cold spells! I'd better start checking.

Quote: I'm with Amy PT!

Quote: Yes Welcome!!!

@greenmimama Sorry for your losses! I don't have anything different to add either but I hope you get it figured out soon


@RaZ How much yogurt do you feed your football kids? They're pretty cute too!

 

[RaZ]

@RaZ How much yogurt do you feed your football kids? They're pretty cute too!

It was a first for them. I had a salad and yogurt for lunch. The kids got some leftovers...maybe 1/4 of a cup of yogurt and some salad bowl dregs.

One of the nice things about getting chickens is that I started eating better food myself. What I didn't/couldn't eat wasn't wasted. The leftovers were shared with the hens.

 

[vintagegem]

Happy Friday! 43 degrees here and out finishing the coop!

Love it, so funny!

 

[chickwhispers]

Ahh. I share my good stuff with mine too. Just haven't given any to the little ones yet. I've always waited six weeks or so. I'm going to start tomorrow! Thanks RaZ!

 

[Peep-Chicken]

You get a post hole digger and some cement.  I'll come help move the sign.

Lol, that's what I was thinking .

she is sweet,     That really is not fair, hope no one gives you trouble

Two of our neighbors want us to get more roosters. The one is never home and the other, Is hibernating in the house or something.

Make it Five!

Oh no I think I maybe in trouble! My EE has stopped laying about 10 days ago! Thought she went on strike from the cold spells! I'd better start checking.
I'm with Amy PT!

Yes Welcome!!!

@greenmimama
 Sorry for your losses!  I don't have anything different to add either but I hope you get it figured out soon


@RaZ
 How much yogurt do you feed your football kids? They're pretty cute too!

Thanks!

 

[RaZ]

Ahh. I share my good stuff with mine too. Just haven't given any to the little ones yet. I've always waited six weeks or so. I'm going to start tomorrow! Thanks RaZ!

I usually wait a bit longer until they get older and bigger. If you are giving them food other than chick feed, I think it is a good idea to offer some chick grit on the side. And keep an eye on them. Watch for good feeding, drinking and pooping.

 

[chickwhispers]

Yes I have chick grit. A bag lasts a long time with chicks!. This batch is about 3 weeks now. You think too early for a little treat of yogurt yet?