Hi team, sorry I have had my hands full lately.
Things went from bad to possibly worse. We lost two of the original 10 chicks and are down to 8, then we treated with amprolium, but found the blue australorp with some bubbles in one eye. Panic stations. We tried to get some medication from the vet, but they refused to sell anything without a $70 consultation first. We had some help to find a product to buy online but we decided to give it two days and then see how it went. We planned to cull any bird that looked ill.
That one got a bit better, then the Maran cockerel had one eye closed, but he is now fine with no swelling. The blue is still weepy but other than the eye seems to be fine. Not sure if the fine bedding is making dust thats upsetting them or if its CRD, sinus issues or Corza or something I am missing. No foul smell from the heads though.
We decided to make an enclosed part of the lawned area away from the main flock and put them on there during the day. Today was the first day, we will see if it helps, otherwise it's back to plan 'culll'
As for males, I am confident we have over 50% males. The 'Dotte is a hard call as this stage, 2-3 of the Wellies are males, 1x Maran is male and the blue is a bit younger than the others so not sure which way it will go yet.
TBH, with two broodies, no eggs and a back yard covered in feathers, plus chicks that my very well be very sick...I am running thin on chicken love!
To top it off, I have been working hard at catching mice, seems we had more than the two I had seen, already caught about 8 in my DIY traps. The kids have been banned from the feed bins as their 'helping' is surely contributing to the vermin getting a free feed.
