Oh no!!!!!! how did that happen :(

[rcet-rocky]

Since moving to this old farm three years ago we have allways
thought on getting a very small holding of chickens.
A few weeks ago we went to Boussac in search of some recruits.
We are now responsable for 6 Chickens and 2 Ducks well untill
today that is.....
One of our Chickens was a bit lothargic last night and this morning
I found her Dead looked like she departed in her sleep...

So we find our selves feeling that we could have done more.
Questioning.... how did she die? what did she eat? are the garden plants poissonouse?

I have set up a checken run at the end of the courtyard which
is grassed and has got some border planting. the chicken run
is soil which is walled on three sides and chicken wired on the front
so that we can monitor them, they are housed in our Stone Barn at night. So Generally the fact that we have a central courtyard to our property we allow them freedom of movement.
the plants that we have in the garden are as follows

Berberis
Forsythia
Sedum
Yucca
Prickly Pear
Wall Flower
Geranium
Roses
Aqualiges
Buddlia
Variety of weeds that you would expect to find in France.

No sign of any Snakes.

Thats it now we are just going to monitor the rest of them
for any repeat......
Our Neighbours have got Chickens but our Chickens have not come close to thiers. I hope it isn't viral.
Can anyone please advise.
Thank you

 

[Mahonri]

First off, Welcome to BYC.

...

... and so sorry for your loss.

My chickens have eaten geranium petals with no ill effects so you can cross that off of your list.

Good luck in the future, perhaps it was just her time.

 

[rcet-rocky]

Hi Mahonri.

Thank you for your reply... We have various pets of all shapes andsizes but didn't think that the feeling of loss would be the same
as if it was one of my dogs..

They are all young they haven't started leying yet but they eat plenty. they are all individual with thier on personalities.

thanks again

 

[Jena]

to BYC,

Your place sounds wonderful and I have no knowledge of the plants you mention doing any harm to you chickens, but I think you are doing the right thing in just watching them.

I hope this is your only loss. Good luck, and maybe someone else will have more info on the plants. I think there is a list somewhere of harmful plants. I will have a look. If I find it I will post a link.

 

[Jena]

here you go try this link.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=167630

again good luck.

 

[rcet-rocky]

Hi Jena
Thank You for the link

 

[rcet-rocky]

Quote:
Hi Jena
Theres a lot I don't recognise a lot of the names perhaps some of the items have American referances don't you think. But it is still
great move to the knowlege of problem plants. It seems the chicks
will be confined to Barracks untill further notice. whilst we determin
how safe the area is.
Thanks again

 

[MissPrissy]

When poultry is taken from one place and rehomed to another it creates overwhelming stress. The stress and adjusting often brings out nasties that might be hiding. It is most likely the Chicken had a illness/disease that was dormant and the stress of moving brought it to the surface. Watch the other chickens careful for signs of issues with them as well. Without a necropsy it is impossible to tell what the chicken died from.

Try to be proactive in their care now.

Add raw apple cider vinegar with the mother to their water - 1 tbsp per quart of fresh water. Give them a daily treat of plain organic yogurt mixed with some crushed boiled eggs (with the shells) and some cooked rice. The yogurt and the ACV will give them a good boost in probiotics. Also the eggs will boost their protein intake and will help them with fighting off anything lurking in their systems that could be detrimental.

Before you add any other chickens to your flock you will want to quarrentine them for at least 30 days in a separate pen as far away from the others as possible. You don't want chickens passing illness/disease back and forth which could potentially cause you to loose your entire flock.

Read up on good biosecurity measures and follow them closely.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=70782

Good luck with your flock and welcome to BYC.

 

[rcet-rocky]

Thank You MissPrissy.

for taking the time to offer your help.
so far they all appear to be okay although they stayed
inside the Barn because it has rained heavily all day.
Keeping our fingers crossed for tomorrow.
Thanks again.

 

[rcet-rocky]

Hi All
Thought I would just drop in to thank everyone for the information,
Todate the remaining chicks are doing great the ducks also.
Grass is nice and short in the centre courtyard.

Hopefully things will be okay now..... unless of course they all fly off
we are planning to cut some feathers soon Short Back and sides
allround I think. Never thought I would see the day that I would be chasing chickens and ducks.

Regards rcet-rocky

PS
no eggs yet