okay, breathing again! I've done what you have all said and pulled all food and replaced it with flock raiser, and pI put oyster shell on the side. I have truly loved watching my chicks grow, and the two rescues I took in have taught me sooooo much (problems galore!). For the most part, they all eat outside most of the day...I have had to make lemonade from lemons and built a roost in my garage, a sleeping area for the geese (with a doggie door cut in it so they can come in and out...they are a little chick-aggressive right now), and fencing running out my service door and around the front porch. Chickie poopies everywhere, but so worth it when I sit on the porch and my favorite little chick comes and jumps into my lap. A couple of others have started too, now that they see she gets special treats! My friends can't believe this city-raised girl has chickens on the porch, but they are getting over it.
Sorry to freak. In the past 9 weeks, I have taken on perhaps too much, but after an involuntary life-change, I had to do something. I decided I would be as self-sufficient as possible to prevent the situation from being dire ever again! In addition to my 2 geese and 24 layers, I had 20 meaties (only lost 1 to heart attack). My adult hens were cared for so poorly where they were that I have had to learn about mites and sevin dust, scaly leg mites and oiling legs, have given an oil enema in case there was egg binding (with bum-bathing to boot), and have nursed one chicken back to health after she was apparently attacked in her old home (feathers all gone from one side and large sores, etc.), and held a shaking chicken after a cat (or something) chased and pulled her tail feathers out. I have wormed and prayed, and today just sort of made me feel like, "what now?" Thanks to you all for being such blessings and getting me through! Much appreciated!
