Hi all- I have been lurking for a while before actually joining, but the time has come. My gals and guys are almost 3 months old, time flies with babies!
I have 6 leghorns (3 roosters), 1 red comet, and 5 rhode islands. My husband is putting the finishing touches on the coop and run. Its definitely not a fancy coop or run, but the chicks do love the area.
Unfortunately, in our area we can't keep the roosters though my son REALLY wants to keep them. As it is, they are getting really mean already! When we have them in the yard the chase and peck at the girls! One rooster is going to be rehomed to my brother in law, the other two... well, they may end up as dinner, or as the hubs say, their names are Lunch and Dinner.
So far we love our chickens sooo much, I feel like its going to be an addictive passion for me and can't wait for them to actually start laying! Of course there are questions...
My one big concern is that my reds came from TSC... and then of course there is the salmonella things. I haven't called my local shop, but like many others, shortly after the outbreak news released, they stopped selling chicks. The chicks have all been looking very good, growing, eat, drinking and active. No signs of any illness, however- my son developed a gi thing, doc said gastritis, and I had a really bad spell of what I thought was a stomach flu. So, when the word came out about the salmonella, I had my suspicions about the chicks. I have read people culling their flocks and some doing nothing but cautious hand washing and cleaning. Should I be really concerned? Will it spread to the others? How can I know which are infected? I really don't want to lose any of my girls, btu am nervous about it.
Here are the guys and gals-
I have 6 leghorns (3 roosters), 1 red comet, and 5 rhode islands. My husband is putting the finishing touches on the coop and run. Its definitely not a fancy coop or run, but the chicks do love the area.
Unfortunately, in our area we can't keep the roosters though my son REALLY wants to keep them. As it is, they are getting really mean already! When we have them in the yard the chase and peck at the girls! One rooster is going to be rehomed to my brother in law, the other two... well, they may end up as dinner, or as the hubs say, their names are Lunch and Dinner.
So far we love our chickens sooo much, I feel like its going to be an addictive passion for me and can't wait for them to actually start laying! Of course there are questions...
My one big concern is that my reds came from TSC... and then of course there is the salmonella things. I haven't called my local shop, but like many others, shortly after the outbreak news released, they stopped selling chicks. The chicks have all been looking very good, growing, eat, drinking and active. No signs of any illness, however- my son developed a gi thing, doc said gastritis, and I had a really bad spell of what I thought was a stomach flu. So, when the word came out about the salmonella, I had my suspicions about the chicks. I have read people culling their flocks and some doing nothing but cautious hand washing and cleaning. Should I be really concerned? Will it spread to the others? How can I know which are infected? I really don't want to lose any of my girls, btu am nervous about it.
Here are the guys and gals-
and Welcome To BYC!
It was hoooorible getting sick though and i NEVER get sick. We wash pretty carefully, so I will just be sure eeveryone remains diligent on hand washing. Thanks so much though, def eased my mind on the issue.
