new member here

[draftwoman]

Hi All,

I'm new here- just joined today in fact....I'm in central PA, and while I've owned a few chickens in the past (*Long ago!!!) , I am giving it another try. Only this time- I'm attempting to raise chicks/ peeps from the typical day old "mail order" places. They arrived healthy n' teeny. But now they're a little over 5 weeks old and I have two 'weak' silver wyandott pullets. I got some antibiotics from the local feed store- the tetracycline to mix in their water- and have given them some slightly cooked eggs for protien. These two are small compared to the other bruisers ( different breeds- two of each)--- but I'm guessing the Wyandotts are a smaller bird in general ? (* See ? Told ya I was new to this !)

Anywho- I'm doing this on a shoestring budget and hope the littlest one gets stronger . She is so small compared to the others- and is separated from them. She has a booming appetite, drinks if I hold her up so she can balance (otherwise she topples over). So she Wants to live- but I need to know what Else I can do to help her get over this ?

Thanks for suggestions, and I know I'm going to learn a lot here. Already have been drooling over some of the gorgeous coops on this forum.
WOW !

Kris / draftwoman

 

[gckiddhouse]

Wyandottes are not small birds. They are dual purpose, so they will get big enough to butcher if you want to. Check out Henderson's chicken breed chart to see how big they get. http://www.sydcom.net/users/raymc/chooks.html

Maybe they are just getting picked on or are sick. Separating them is a good idea. Give them a chance to get real healthy and then introduce them by adding the other chickens to them, one at a time, starting with the least aggressive and end with the most aggressive. Should help them integrate back into the little flock.

Hope they get healthy for you!

 

[Cindiloohoo]

 

[draftwoman]

Thanks- She is so small- I guess from being sickly. I hope she makes it too- good idea on re-introducing her "gently". I do that with horses but never would have done it w/ the babies.

 

[ibpboo]

And good luck with your two babies. I don't know what to say except to keep them eating and drinking and keep them warm. Best of luck!

 

[Staceyfeindt]

I think I have read on here that some have suggested sugar water or a vitamin solution with electrolites for weak chicks. Try searching for those terms.

Welcome!! I have learned so much very quickly from the friendly folks on here, I bet you will too!

 

[draftwoman]

Just got a chance to go see the website you shared. WOW- what a big help that is. Thanks soooooooooo much. Now I can see each breed I bought- and more.

 

[draftwoman]

Thanks for the welcome Stacey F ! I never knew there were so many friendly chicken / animal folks out there in Internet land. I will check out the electrolyte mixture. Already tried the water/ sugar mix . It Seemed to help her some. She can't balance well- uses her wings to scurry along. Sometimes I wonder if she'd be happier "out of her misery" - NOT that I could Ever do that, but I did think about her quality of life as a big hen......< sigh>

 

[gckiddhouse]

Quote:
If you're gonna have chickens, you need to be prepared to do just that if it becomes necessary. That is your responsibility as a good chicken owner. It is a very important part of animal husbandry. We all hope it won't come to that, but if it doesn't come to that with this particular chicken, it will with some chicken at some point. Sometimes the mean and nasty thing to do is keep an animal alive and suffering and the kind and respectful thing is to put it out of its misery.

 

[draftwoman]

I hear you- but I'm hoping it won't come to that. Having found dead hens in the past, sometimes THAT is easier, you know ? I'm a softie and I don't think I could kill unless it was TOTALLY a last resort..... I was raised w/ poultry around and know about those weaker ones. And I have made the ever so difficult choice to end a seriously ailing horse's life but these are so small and well, you get the idea. I'm still hopeful. Just went to check on her- and her little crop ( ??) is full, and she is having trouble standing but seems stronger today. So MAYBE she'll be alright..... stay tuned, eh ?

Thanks again you guyz for the input !