New chickens died after less than 2 weeks

[Teila]

Howdy Fortunate1

Welcome to BYC and as suggested, do please pop into the Aussie Thread and say G’Day. I do believe there are some Canberran’s that post regularly and while BYC is overflowing with helpful people, the Aussie Thread may be helpful with local advice.

Yep, it is definitely cold this time of year and while I am far from an expert when it comes to what ails chickens, they are usually able to handle the cold much easier than the heat.

While our Qld temps have not been dropping as low as yours, we have had some unusually cold evenings and my 20 week old gals have been fine. If they are in a dry, insulated coop, I believe the cold weather would not be the cause.

Is the coop well ventilated? While it should have ventilation, it should also be draft free so that they are not roosting in a draft. Having said that, it sounds like your new girls are doing fine.

In the breeder’s defence, he may not have known that the birds were ill as it sounds like they did not start showing symptoms until you had them for a couple of days. Having said that, I do believe he should have been more helpful under the circumstances.

Anyways, good to read that your new gals and son are getting along and hope this is just the start of a beautiful friendship

 

[Fortunate1]

Thanks guys, I think I was just frustrated as I saw him advertising for spring fertilized and again charging huge prices, i think his chickens are not the best pets as they are just housed in large runs and only handled to be packed and sold. These are our new girls Flick the Aus and Pea the rir. They are both happy and inqusitive and actually have very funny personalities, flick thinks everything is food and runs madly to you when she sees you coming(she reminds me of a little dinosaur) and pea is a very calm little thing that makes the funniest noises, she needs a little tlc as she was picked on in her old flock. I will have a look at the Aussie thread. Thanks for all your help, i can tell this site will be a valuable resourse for me over the next few years

 

[Fortunate1]

Flick, fatty food grabber, miss inquisitive.

Pea, baby girl, she looks ratty at the moment as she is still getting her new feathers in

 

[kyle5]

So sorry to hear about your loss.
I am new to the chicken world. Have 5 and have done well so far being extra vigilant.
I would have refunded your money or replaced your chickens if I was the breeder and with an apology. A good reputation means a lot and goes far in a business.
I would be upset as well. I just spent a fortune creating a home for them but it is a dream of mine so I ok with it. I would be upset should the same thing happen to me.
I am sorry I have no good advice really. Just want you to know you have been heard and am sorry for your loss. Please try anew and with another breeder.
Take care.

 

[Fortunate1]

Thanks Kyle, I think I just needed to vent as my son was so upset we would lose out new birds, I didn't realise how much it had affected him, funny thing is our new birds were less than half the price of our purebred and are actually so much friendlier and happier. Expensive lesson learnt though.

 

[peastix]

Flick, fatty food grabber, miss inquisitive.
Pea, baby girl, she looks ratty at the moment as she is still getting her new feathers in

Very cute! I'm a firm believer in "What goes around comes around" Eventually that breeders reputation or lack of it WILL get around! Glad new birds are happy and healthy.Enjoy your birds.