I have waited and worked toward starting my own flock for over nine months now, not to mention the money I spent preparing for them. I have read and studied up on chickens for months and months now and really thought I could do this.
Unfortunately, last Sunday I happily brought home my first pullets (five) who I began to notice that first day were sick. Coughing (progressing to bloody mucas), lethargic, bad stuff, etc. In any case, I am bringing all the birds back tonight because I didn't want this to be my first experience with chickens.
My thing is this....I am so discouraged and upset and hurt that this is what my families first experience is that I wonder if I should even bother getting more. Despite dealing with the sick hens, the few that seemed healthy were quite a blast to be with and we grew attached in a short amount of time. I want to have chickens so badly but now I am discouraged.
I am taking the hens back tonight and am thoroghly disinfecting the coop...a couple times... But now I need to decide if chickens are worth it? And if I do decide to try again should I start with chicks or pullets again?
Please help. My spirits are so low right now.
Unfortunately, last Sunday I happily brought home my first pullets (five) who I began to notice that first day were sick. Coughing (progressing to bloody mucas), lethargic, bad stuff, etc. In any case, I am bringing all the birds back tonight because I didn't want this to be my first experience with chickens.
My thing is this....I am so discouraged and upset and hurt that this is what my families first experience is that I wonder if I should even bother getting more. Despite dealing with the sick hens, the few that seemed healthy were quite a blast to be with and we grew attached in a short amount of time. I want to have chickens so badly but now I am discouraged.
I am taking the hens back tonight and am thoroghly disinfecting the coop...a couple times... But now I need to decide if chickens are worth it? And if I do decide to try again should I start with chicks or pullets again?
Please help. My spirits are so low right now.