- Mar 24, 2010
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Hi -
I have a story to tell and need advice as to what happened and if it will affect the rest of my flock, or how long until I know?
I am a new chicken owner. Brand new chicken housing. No chickens at property ever (I'm really pretty certain). Chickens are in a coop with pine shavings and brooder lamp. Regular chick starter/grower 20%.
Day 0 (4/20) Received hatchery order - 26 Buff Orpington chicks plus a free rare exotic - vaccinated for Marek's and Cocci. Lose free rare exotic plus two Orps first day - delivery was late.
Day 1 Purchased 1 Aracuna plus two bantams for "pets" from local breeder - she does not vaccinate and feeds medicated feed. They are all few day old chicks. Side note: I have girls ages 10 and 11 who are helping with the chickens - they are aware all Orps are eventually destined for the stew pot - thus I have allowed separate "pets" - the free rare exotic was going to be the single "pet" so we got these for replacement - more than one for insurance.
Day 19 One bantam noticed standing around under light a lot, brought inside and TLC'd, Did a LOT of head twitching, didn't eat or drink much but saw no other issues. Chirped a LOT - brought in other bantam for company. At this point it was smaller than the other bantam, but a different breed - failure to thrive?
Day 21 Bantam dies
Day 25 Purchased 1 more Aracuna and another bantam. from same local person. Aracuna is more feathered than our Orps, seller thinks still about a month old. Both seem healthy.
Day 26 Aracuna not doing well, TLC'd inside, but seems to prefer being out with everyone else - goes back out within day. Perks up when we start them outside. Stands around a lot, seems weak, doesn't flap wings, loses balance. No respiratory problems. Can't seem to find a crop problem or any other problem. No poop problem. Over time, Aracuna gradually seems to improves. Moves around more, gradually more alert. Eating a lot and drinking. Last day saw a couple head shakes, but actually based on behavior thought was finally out of the woods.
Day 27 Aracuna dies from ?
All other chickens seem perfectly fine and happy...... Any ideas as to what happened? When can I be certain these chickens haven't infected anyone else - max incubation period for all illness?
Obviously I'm not getting any more chickens from this local person. I would like to believe that she is not knowingly giving me sick birds, but 2/5 death rate from her stock does not inspire confidence. The daughter whose birds both died (a very gentle girl, I don't think she did anything unintentionally) does not want to try again right now - I am, of course, crushed that this keeps happening to her - she's being very mature about it.
Thanks for ANY insight about the illness and the incubation period!
Sara
5/26 update - we may just be paranoid, but we think a couple other chicks are slow this morning - have to check again in a couple hours........
I have a story to tell and need advice as to what happened and if it will affect the rest of my flock, or how long until I know?
I am a new chicken owner. Brand new chicken housing. No chickens at property ever (I'm really pretty certain). Chickens are in a coop with pine shavings and brooder lamp. Regular chick starter/grower 20%.
Day 0 (4/20) Received hatchery order - 26 Buff Orpington chicks plus a free rare exotic - vaccinated for Marek's and Cocci. Lose free rare exotic plus two Orps first day - delivery was late.
Day 1 Purchased 1 Aracuna plus two bantams for "pets" from local breeder - she does not vaccinate and feeds medicated feed. They are all few day old chicks. Side note: I have girls ages 10 and 11 who are helping with the chickens - they are aware all Orps are eventually destined for the stew pot - thus I have allowed separate "pets" - the free rare exotic was going to be the single "pet" so we got these for replacement - more than one for insurance.
Day 19 One bantam noticed standing around under light a lot, brought inside and TLC'd, Did a LOT of head twitching, didn't eat or drink much but saw no other issues. Chirped a LOT - brought in other bantam for company. At this point it was smaller than the other bantam, but a different breed - failure to thrive?
Day 21 Bantam dies
Day 25 Purchased 1 more Aracuna and another bantam. from same local person. Aracuna is more feathered than our Orps, seller thinks still about a month old. Both seem healthy.
Day 26 Aracuna not doing well, TLC'd inside, but seems to prefer being out with everyone else - goes back out within day. Perks up when we start them outside. Stands around a lot, seems weak, doesn't flap wings, loses balance. No respiratory problems. Can't seem to find a crop problem or any other problem. No poop problem. Over time, Aracuna gradually seems to improves. Moves around more, gradually more alert. Eating a lot and drinking. Last day saw a couple head shakes, but actually based on behavior thought was finally out of the woods.
Day 27 Aracuna dies from ?
All other chickens seem perfectly fine and happy...... Any ideas as to what happened? When can I be certain these chickens haven't infected anyone else - max incubation period for all illness?
Obviously I'm not getting any more chickens from this local person. I would like to believe that she is not knowingly giving me sick birds, but 2/5 death rate from her stock does not inspire confidence. The daughter whose birds both died (a very gentle girl, I don't think she did anything unintentionally) does not want to try again right now - I am, of course, crushed that this keeps happening to her - she's being very mature about it.
Thanks for ANY insight about the illness and the incubation period!
Sara
5/26 update - we may just be paranoid, but we think a couple other chicks are slow this morning - have to check again in a couple hours........
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