Please Tell Me Some Ways You Know And Found Useful To Prevent Predators And Diseases!

[bobbi-j]

thank you, but i still like to try. i like them to die knowing i have tried to help.

Believe me, I understand that. I used to feel the same way. Now I try, but not for as long if that makes sense. I'm not going to keep a bird hanging on for days in pain. I prefer for them to suffer as little as possible. You have a good heart, and it shows that you love your chickens.

 

[Chickensfan]

oh no! a bobcat was recently spotted in my next-door neighbor's backyard! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH THESE CHICKENS???!!! and i was in the middle of integrating 3 new Poland's. i decided to let them out early, as i need them all safe in the coop tonight. i can't leave a crate with blankets draped over it outside with a bobcat on the prowl. it is not going well. they hate each other. they are getting used to each other a little bit though.

 

[Chickensfan]

Believe me, I understand that. I used to feel the same way. Now I try, but not for as long if that makes sense. I'm not going to keep a bird hanging on for days in pain. I prefer for them to suffer as little as possible. You have a good heart, and it shows that you love your chickens.

thank you. i would do the same. only let them suffer for so long. i would hate to see any of my chickens suffer.

 

[bobbi-j]

Sometimes it's hard to find that line between preventing death and prolonging life. Sometimes that line is clear. I am at the point where if I have a chicken with certain issues, it will be culled immediately because I know I can't fix it. I believe it's kinder to end the suffering. A few years ago, I had 2 chickens with Ascites (fluid-filled abdomen). From what I understood after reading about it, you can drain it, but it likely will happen again and again. I decided not to go that route. Draining it would mean sticking a needle into it and sucking out the fluid with a syringe. If it were a one-time cure, I'd consider it. The thought of having to repeatedly do that didn't appeal to me. So I culled them both and will cull any other chicken that gets that. I don't know what causes it, but these were both 3+ year old hens, so I think something went wrong with their egg factories.

That conclusion also led me to another decision in my flock management. It seems to me that chickens go downhill a little faster after they reach their 3rd year. So, my laying hens will be processed (except for my known broody who will stay with the flock for as long as she's healthy) after their 3rd laying season. I'd rather let them have happy, healthy lives and a few bad seconds one day than watch them decline. My personal choice an management. I'm guessing yours will be a different management style, and that's OK. Chicken keeping isn't a one-size-fits-all hobby. We all have to do what we feel is best for our birds and our flock.

 

[Chickensfan]

Sometimes it's hard to find that line between preventing death and prolonging life. Sometimes that line is clear. I am at the point where if I have a chicken with certain issues, it will be culled immediately because I know I can't fix it. I believe it's kinder to end the suffering. A few years ago, I had 2 chickens with Ascites (fluid-filled abdomen). From what I understood after reading about it, you can drain it, but it likely will happen again and again. I decided not to go that route. Draining it would mean sticking a needle into it and sucking out the fluid with a syringe. If it were a one-time cure, I'd consider it. The thought of having to repeatedly do that didn't appeal to me. So I culled them both and will cull any other chicken that gets that. I don't know what causes it, but these were both 3+ year old hens, so I think something went wrong with their egg factories.

That conclusion also led me to another decision in my flock management. It seems to me that chickens go downhill a little faster after they reach their 3rd year. So, my laying hens will be processed (except for my known broody who will stay with the flock for as long as she's healthy) after their 3rd laying season. I'd rather let them have happy, healthy lives and a few bad seconds one day than watch them decline. My personal choice an management. I'm guessing yours will be a different management style, and that's OK. Chicken keeping isn't a one-size-fits-all hobby. We all have to do what we feel is best for our birds and our flock.

quite understandable. any advice on the bobcat business?

 

[bobbi-j]

Just to make sure all your chickens are in a secure coop/run. I'm not sure what your integration situation is, but they'll be safer with the other chickens than with the bobcat.

 

[Chickensfan]

Just to make sure all your chickens are in a secure coop/run. I'm not sure what your integration situation is, but they'll be safer with the other chickens than with the bobcat.

thank you so much. this evening i looked into the coop to see them all on the roost peacefully and together. adorable.

 

[bobbi-j]

Nice!

 

[Chickensfan]

Nice!

yeah. i saw my barred rock hen look at the new Polands like they were her own. so cute!

 

[Beekissed]

hello!
i would like to know all the ways to prevent diseases and predators for chickens. the title pretty much says it all.

When you find out, will you post it here? I've been doing this a very long time and still haven't figured out all the ways to prevent the death of chickens. Could be only God knows that?

Anyhoo, when you've got the answers, please let us know!