Random chicken questions

[beakkeeper]

I just have a couple questions a/b chickens:cd
1. Do they vomit?
2. What is the average mortality rate for chicks? Can I get three and end up with at least one?
3. How common is coccidiosis? Is that how u spell it?
4. Do chickens like to be handled? Do they bond with ppl?

5. Where can I find a chicken vet in the city?

 

[kinnip]

I can't answer all of those, but I'll do my past bedtime best.
2. Most chickens seem meet untimely ends due to predators. If you keep them well housed and well fed, all three will probably make it.
3. Coccidiosis is of the most concern in chicks. A lot of folks feed unmedicated feed and do quite well. Just remember cleanliness is your friend.
4. This one I'm 100% on. Some chickens love their people. Some chickens could care less. I've spent a lot of time, daily, with my chickens from the day I brought them home. All of them will allow me to touch them, some try to slink out from under my hand like a cat and some take a little petting as a commitment to be their roost for the next hour. They all have personalities of their own.
5. If you're in a city, look for an avian vet. If you have a college with a vet program, you're in luck. It can be challenging to find a avian vet, and when you do, they aren't cheap.
Good luck!

 

[flakey chick]

You can't end up with just one. By that I mean you must keep at least two chickens because they are flock animals. They really need another chicken friend.

 

[d.k]

* The answer to #1 is: Yes, chickens can vomit-- if they have cause.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

It's not that common that you lose chicks...I have gotten lots and have not lost one yet. And YES chickens can bond with you. A lot of it depends on the breed too. My most friendly girls are my EE"s and my cochins by far!

 

[oldegger]

Quote:
1. only when I ware shorts out to due my chores!!

(as a first time chicken farmer i haven't seen a chicken hurl but if it goes down it can come back up)
2. started with 10 balls of fuzz and now have 10 very large feathered pecking scratching eating machines
3. had one hen early on that presented symptoms treated the flock with terramycin
4.Some breeds better than others. Start right away handling them when there just chicks. Will pay dividends later.
5.Got lucky one of the vets at a cat only office that works with a rescue group I belong to. Raises chickens
Call your county agriculture agency they should be able to give you some names. Good sanatation, clean food and water I dought you will every need a vet.

 

[cjeanean]

I've lost 10 out of almost 100, 4 due to suffocation and injury. Sometimes you lose one, sometimes u don't. Just depends. You gotta have at least 2, and yes, chickens bond. Sometimes to the point of not being able to get rid of them....vomit??? I'd consider it regurgitation, birds do that. For a chicken vet in the city: good luck. I live in a rural area and the closest vet who has ANY clue about poultry (and not much of one from what I've gathered) is about 30 miles away. I dunno, you might check your state vet and find out. There's a list in the sticky under Emergencies, Diseases, etc. Good luck!