New to the group

[Teresamarie]

hello there. I am a new chicken owner/lover. I have had chickens for a year. Last April I bought baby chicks to raise for eggs. Throughout the winter I lost 17 of them. We have no clue why. All we know that it was not from another animal and they are not diseased. Some died from just laying an egg. Some eggs were quite large. Some prolapsed.. vey odd. I have three left and just acquired 20 more exotic chickens.. I call them exotic because they are not your average white or brown chicken haha! I am very excited to have them and I know they are all about 3 years old so I would like to keep these ones alive. I also have two horses a dog and two cats. I am an animal lover! Chickens are my new hobby! I just love watching them and talking To them! I’m glad I am able to find another website to get some great feedback from other chicken owners!

 

[Kessel23]

 

[ronott1]

It is great to have you here!

That many dead over a winter is odd.

You can post on the emergencies forum but my advice is:

Nutrition. Chickens need to eat chicken feed all the time. There is no such thing as over wintering on corn. Anything other than chicken feed is a treat and should be limited. Nearly all food should be chicken feed

Parasytes. Mites and worms will kill chickens check and treat for those.

There can be many reasons for chickens to die so if another one dies on you, take it in for a Necropsy. They are often free or low cost like here:

http://cahfs.ucdavis.edu/

Check for one in your State

 

[Kiki]

We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.
A complete feed/commercial poultry feed, not scratch, is the only thing that should be feed for keeping birds the healthiest.
This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops

 

[Joeschooks]

I’m so sorry to hear of your losses. It’s great to have you here

 

[Teila]

G'Day from down under Teresamarie Welcome!



I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

BYC has Topic of the Week discussions which I have found to be a great resource, informative and sometimes entertaining; so definitely worth checking out.

If you would like to share Pictures and Stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

Including your general location on your profile will assist others. Location, climate, season etc can be important factors when members are responding to any questions you may have and vice versa.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

You may be interested in this link:

• Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures

 

[drumstick diva]

Can't imagine what is killing off your birds - that is why it is so important to have a necropsy done - otherwise any new birds may die like your others.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Glad you're here !

A must have for your poultry is a FIRST AID KIT for any issues that would arise. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/)
It's definitely better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Also, make sure your coop(s) have a proper amount of VENTILATION. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/) Your chickens will absolutely thank you for it!

One last thing, if you're into gardening, feel free to join this years SEED SWAP (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/seed-swap.1220129/)

 

[007Sean]

Howdy

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. Happy to have you here with us!