My chickens are dying!

[rooster-red]

Something else to consider would be Marek's disease http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/page9.htm

 

[Chris & Mary's Kids]

Hello again everybody. Nice of you all to respond, I really appreciate it. I thought I'd lost another chicken last night -- Fanny didn't show up at roosting time -- but this morning we found she had gotten closed up in the garage. I was very very glad

Now here's the great news: our two girls, er, hens, that we raised last summer have jointly hatched 5 chicks! They sat on the nest together and now they're mothering together. One of these two is the one I told you about who was attacked by a hawk but recovered. It's nice to have some new life to balance out all the deaths. I hope we can keep them safe. I will send pictures soon.

I did contact the University by email but no answer. Also no answer from the local extension office. I'm getting more help from you guys than from them!

 

[FarmerDenise]

Both my vet and farm supply guy told me that Mareks disease appears in younger birds, less than 2 years old.
My vet recommended immunization, which must be done within 48 hours of hatching to be effective.
Glad to hear you have some good tidings. I had two hens hatch and raise a bunch of chicks also. One would run off and take a dustbath and the other would watch the chicks. They actually would give each other breaks, it was cool.