- Aug 15, 2012
- 9
- 0
- 9
Although we had chickens when I was growing up, I never took much interest in them. As I have gotten older and have worked to get back to country living, I have wanted my own flock. We moved into a house inside a big ranch in the Texas hill country earlier this year, built a nice coop and purchased 5 Partridge Plymouth Rocks. They were 4 weeks old when we got them and now they are about 18 weeks...what's left of them that is. Out of the original 5, I only have 2 remaining. After a few weeks, we found one dead inside the coop which was very puzzling because they were all fine and healthy that morning. It was a mystery. Then 4 weeks ago one was killed and eaten by a fox (we think). 10 days ago the remaining ones were all running around the yard happy and healthy but that afternoon when we checked inside the coop we found one lying nearly lifeless in a water dish. I picked her up and carried her around in my arms hoping she would recover but she died about 20 minutes later. 2 days after that, I discovered another one having difficulty walking. She was staggering and falling over. It progressed to "paralysis". She stays on her side now, can move her legs but can't get up. Otherwise she is alert and eats and drinks really well. From my own research, I am guessing she has Marek's although all of them were supposedly vaccinated at the hatchery. I've been giving supportive care with vitamins and a little yogurt every day. She looks great except for the fact that she can't stand. I'm heart-broken. Never thought I would love my chickens so much. Her sister is reluctant to leave her and go outside even though she has 2 Americaunas for companionship. I have a friend who has chickens. Her attitude is "chickens are chickens. Feed them, give them fresh water and don't worry about it." I can't do that. Like I said, I never thought I would care so much for my chickens.
from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. I hope everythings works out OK. 
