Feather fixer might be good for them
I've always given them feather fixer. They're just the worst feather pickers ever. When the babies were too little for layer feed I was giving them 1/2 feather fixed 1/2 meat bird crumble, or chick starter b/c they were about the same protein. After the littles started laying I switched back to layer feed & feather fixer, but last week I went and got another bag of calf manna so I mix that into the feeder too. The other day I had a lb of cooked hamburger that I didn't end up using in time so I tossed that out to them and they all had some. I'm wondering if it might be the tape worms that are causing it, but it's definitely not a new habit.
 
Klaus' molt isn't going well. The meanie white ones are pecking her back feathers. I decided to cage her for the rest of her molt b/c they're relentless. Her crop was doughy again, but as I was groping on the others, most of them had the same situation. I don't know why... I'm hoping it was a temporary thing, but I'm going over at lunch to check on them. It was so cold last night I assume Klaus' water froze so I want to water her too, otherwise she'd have to wait til this evening since the girls have dance. I was holding Klaus and she was shivering and kept closing her eyes like she was tired so I think the cage is best for her until the molting is over. I really wish it was warmer though.. or I had an inside where I could bring her. She really has the makings of a good house chicken. I think I'll grab some yogurt to throw at them tonight too. I doused their water w/ ACV already.
Yeah... we're not doing chicks this year. If anyone goes broody they're going to be broken immediately.
Could you plug in a heating pad for her? Even those hand warmers might help.
 
LOL They stopped doing that b/c she was probably stealing every egg she could find. Good thing it's winter and laying slows. Any idea how many eggs it is?


No fair! Both of the stores near here have the exact same set up. I wonder if they were having a problem w/ people stealing chicks. There is a sign that says not to touch them, but you know how people are. I guess people by you are better behaved, or they're trying to get people to want to buy the cage. Honestly, I thought it was great & could replace my small run, being able to stand up in the run?! Yes, please! But holy heck is it expensive! I cannot justify $600 for a cage. I am considering some kind of fencing though... just to make things look a little less trashy.
Usually the chicks arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday and are gone by Thursday or Friday.

This is the only place that sells them in Woodland. Davis might have a place but it is not a big store. There is a place in Dixon but that is 20 miles away
 
I've always given them feather fixer. They're just the worst feather pickers ever. When the babies were too little for layer feed I was giving them 1/2 feather fixed 1/2 meat bird crumble, or chick starter b/c they were about the same protein. After the littles started laying I switched back to layer feed & feather fixer, but last week I went and got another bag of calf manna so I mix that into the feeder too. The other day I had a lb of cooked hamburger that I didn't end up using in time so I tossed that out to them and they all had some. I'm wondering if it might be the tape worms that are causing it, but it's definitely not a new habit.
Some are very brutal!

I hope the tape worms are gone soon!
 
Could you plug in a heating pad for her? Even those hand warmers might help.
The only heating pad I have is one of those newer ones that turns off after a couple hours. I'm hoping having the straw to setting into will be enough to keep her warm. There's also a bale of straw right next to the cage so that should help her a little too. It's supposed to be in the 40's right now, but for some stupid reason it's only in the 20's. Thankfully the coop is a dark color so it absorbs what little sunlight we get and it helps warm it up.
 
The only heating pad I have is one of those newer ones that turns off after a couple hours. I'm hoping having the straw to setting into will be enough to keep her warm. There's also a bale of straw right next to the cage so that should help her a little too. It's supposed to be in the 40's right now, but for some stupid reason it's only in the 20's. Thankfully the coop is a dark color so it absorbs what little sunlight we get and it helps warm it up.
Hot water bottle?
 

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