/ Register

  1. If this is your first time on BYC, we suggest you start with one of these three options:
    Raising Chickens Chicken Coops Join BYC
    If you're already a member of our community, click here to login & click here to learn what's new!

One Sick, one dead and rats to boot!

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by bovine0001, Jun 19, 2017.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Jun 19, 2017 #1
    bovine0001

    bovine0001 Out Of The Brooder

    28
    0
    35
    Jul 14, 2011
    So for a week, I have a 3 year old hen who has been sitting in the run and does not move fast and sits so much it collects urine/ammonia in chunks on its rear.

    I found another hen, same age, suddenly dead today in the coop. No signs of illness or trauma. Her coat was beautiful and seemed healthy.

    I am dealing with rats around the coop. I don't think they are living there, but they like the run. I am catching quite a few of them, but I think there are some left.

    Are the eggs safe to eat? Any thoughts as to how to keep our flock safe?
     
  3. Jun 19, 2017 #2
    KikisGirls

    KikisGirls Professional in training Premium Member

    16,912
    7,950
    516
    Jul 31, 2015
    Houston, TX
    Your coop is not secure if rats are getting in.
    You may want to invest in something to cover and hole larger than an inch, including a hardwire cloth skirt.

    Have you checked them for mites?
    Mites seem to be a big problem right now for a lot of people here on BYC.

    When was the last time you wormed them?
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by