MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

I don't believe most breeders are aware that their chicks have health problems. There are doubtless some that don't care and that is just one of the problems with many backyard breeders.

I'm sure there's a lot of truth in what you say. Naivety instead of unethical conduct. It's those who do know better (or should know better) I'm thinking of.

 

[BY Bob]

I'm slightly reeling from the most recent season.

From four eggs, four chicks, and three pullets there's one hen and one pullet left.

Two. Out of eleven.

I could give you similar stats from the year of Phyllis' hatch and Sylvie & Legertha. Sadly I think we all have years like that. Try not to let it discourage you too much.

 

[BDutch]

The neighbours cat hunting a butterfly (cabbage white?).

 

[RoyalChick]

I could give you similar stats from the year of Phyllis' hatch and Sylvie & Legertha. Sadly I think we all have years like that. Try not to let it discourage you too much.

Me too.

 

[BY Bob]

I'm slightly reeling from the most recent season.

From four eggs, four chicks, and three pullets there's one hen and one pullet left.

Two. Out of eleven.

I could give you similar stats from the year of Phyllis' hatch and Sylvie & Legertha. Sadly I think we all have years like that. Try not to let it discourage you too much.

 

[BY Bob]

I was already struggling when Marek's cropped up.

It really was a gruelling season.

 

[BY Bob]

Me too.

You surely have.

 

[MaryJanet]

I could give you similar stats from the year of Phyllis' hatch and Sylvie & Legertha. Sadly I think we all have years like that. Try not to let it discourage you too much.

That's true. I had held thoughts of RC's tough season throughout but I had forgotten about your's.

The plan to bring in only vaccinated sex-linked pullet chicks should reduce the number of hard seasons. No doubt the occasional cockerels and diseases will sneak through every now and then.

Although it's an unpopular approach, hen hatching is ruled out because I can't vaccinate chicks or in ovum at home. (I hope it goes without saying that home or vet vaccinations have been discussed with several vets and I've gone into the procedure and cost thoroughly, both of which, of course, are different in other places.)

 

[MaryJanet]

Me too.

I remembered throughout. The resilience you showed back then was a memory that kept me from giving up.

 

[Ribh]

That's true. I had held thoughts of RC's tough season throughout but I had forgotten about your's.

The plan to bring in only vaccinated sex-linked pullet chicks should reduce the number of hard seasons. No doubt the occasional cockerels and diseases will sneak through every now and then.

Although it's an unpopular approach, hen hatching is ruled out because I can't vaccinate chicks or in ovum at home. (I hope it goes without saying that home or vet vaccinations have been discussed with several vets and I've gone into the procedure and cost thoroughly, both of which, of course, are different in other places.)

The cost of vaccination is exorbitant. I looked into it 5 years ago when I added chicks rather that POLs. Vaccination is designed for the farmers & is beyond the cost effectiveness for small breeders & backyard keepers. One reason I would like to close my flock & let my girls sit but I need to corral my chick killer first.