Hi everyone, I have 1 Buff Brahma roo, 8 Barred Rock hens, 1 Barred Rock roo and 1 buff orpington roo. I need to finish filling the freezer with the rest of my roos (except the barred rock, he's a keeper). However, the buff orpington seems to be sick or hating the cold weather we've been getting lately. I'm not sure what it is. It's been hovering around -15 C or 5 F up here the last few days (4-5 days) with snow on the ground, etc. All of the birds seem fine in this weather, except the orpington. So, I have a couple of questions. 1. Are orpingtons suited to this sort of climate? I thought they were pretty hardy, but he seemed to be more recluse since the weather changed (even at 20-25 Farenheit). His tail droops, his comb and wattle are more pale, and he seems to spend the majority of his time sleeping. I haven't noticed any irregular stools, though I have noticed he isn't as eager about getting at the food and water. 2. I was going to kill and eat him anyway, but should I be worried about eating him if he's sick? Otherwise, everything seems to be running smoothly for my first batch of chickens. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Sounds like he may be sick, as Orpingtons are supposed to be very cold hardy. I have 4, 9 month old Black Orpingtons and although the coldest we have seen this winter has been 12 degrees, they pranced around like it was a sunny 70 degree day. So it is possible that there is something wrong with your Orp. As far as eating him, I would be leary about it until I knew what exactly he had as far as illness.
It doesn't sound weather related to me either. I would worm him, and maybe even start an antibiotic. Don't bother with either option if all you really want to do is send him to freezer camp.
