New chickens died after less than 2 weeks

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Fortunate1

Fortunate1

In the Brooder
Aug 8, 2015
7
1
11
Canberra, Australia
Just wanting some advice,maybe more of a rant than anything. After not having chickens for a few years, we decided that we wanted to start a backyard flock, after researching what would be best for us we settled with 2 Plymouth rock, After finding a breeder (who charged an absolute premium) we bought 16 week old pullets. Once home I noticed one sneezed and wheezed a bit, after a few days they just didn't seem well, after 5 days they were both sneezing, sitting with eyes closed and bubbles forming in their eyes, I messaged the breeder and he told me they were just stressed and antibiotics would fix them, i bought suggested ab and administered, after 2 days they seemed worse and I messaged again saying they were not improving, he said that it was the wrong time if year (mid winter) to be raising young birds in a backyard, they had a dry insulated coop, cleaned everyday and locked in at night, then on Sunday, day 4 of antibiotics the smaller one died, she had been sitting in the sun all day not moving, that night the other chicken died. I messaged the breeder asking if the birds were sick beforehand, he replied with, they were stressed and it was too cold for them, I asked if he had known that before why did he sell them to me, he hasn't responded to any of my phone calls or messages, I spent a huge amount of money on those birds and I'm so frustrated that they only lasted less than 2 weeks, should I just let it go or am I right to follow up with the breeder.
 
I think you should post on the Aussie thread and see what your countrymen think you should do. "Australia, six states and one funny little Island." Laws and liability are probably different than in this country. Was the seller also from Australia?
 
Fortunate1 said:
Just wanting some advice,maybe more of a rant than anything. After not having chickens for a few years, we decided that we wanted to start a backyard flock, after researching what would be best for us we settled with 2 Plymouth rock, After finding a breeder (who charged an absolute premium) we bought 16 week old pullets. Once home I noticed one sneezed and wheezed a bit, after a few days they just didn't seem well, after 5 days they were both sneezing, sitting with eyes closed and bubbles forming in their eyes, I messaged the breeder and he told me they were just stressed and antibiotics would fix them, i bought suggested ab and administered, after 2 days they seemed worse and I messaged again saying they were not improving, he said that it was the wrong time if year (mid winter) to be raising young birds in a backyard, they had a dry insulated coop, cleaned everyday and locked in at night, then on Sunday, day 4 of antibiotics the smaller one died, she had been sitting in the sun all day not moving, that night the other chicken died. I messaged the breeder asking if the birds were sick beforehand, he replied with, they were stressed and it was too cold for them, I asked if he had known that before why did he sell them to me, he hasn't responded to any of my phone calls or messages, I spent a huge amount of money on those birds and I'm so frustrated that they only lasted less than 2 weeks, should I just let it go or am I right to follow up with the breeder.
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So sorry for your loss.Sounds like he knew they weren't 100% when he sold them! I would be pretty upset too.The fact that he's not responding is a bit telling in my opinion.Don't know what else to tell you really.Is there a local poultry forum you could sign up to who could recommend some reputable breeders? Supposing this sorry episode hasn't put you off! Kind Regards Penny.
 
No it hasn't, i have bought new ones, my son was so upset as he was "in charge" of our flock, I disinfected and dug out the coop and run and bought 2 very cheap 12 w/o australorp, rir x, had them 2 weeks now and they are actually much friendlier and happier than the other 2, they are not as pretty but much tamer and happier to be held and petted by my son. That is what got me thinking about it tonight my son said he is worried about these ones dying too but I assured him these girls are healthy and very happy to be his pets, sometimes a reputable breeder is no better than a backyard job I guess.
 
Fortunate1 said:
Thanks drumstick diva, how do I do that? totally new to this forum business, bit backwards here down under
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Here's a link to the Aussie thread Drumstick Diva referred to:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/598568/australia-six-states-and-that-funny-little-island

Good luck to you and I hope the new birds work out well for you & your son.

P.S. Welcome to BYC!
 
Fortunate1 said:
No it hasn't, i have bought new ones, my son was so upset as he was "in charge" of our flock, I disinfected and dug out the coop and run and bought 2 very cheap 12 w/o australorp, rir x, had them 2 weeks now and they are actually much friendlier and happier than the other 2, they are not as pretty but much tamer and happier to be held and petted by my son. That is what got me thinking about it tonight my son said he is worried about these ones dying too but I assured him these girls are healthy and very happy to be his pets, sometimes a reputable breeder is no better than a backyard job I guess.
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Glad to hear new chooks are healthy.Do post pics.I've found this site very informative and helpful. Welccome!
 

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