Recognize this phrase?

[robin416]

First, do no harm.

There are quite a few folks that are new to the care, upkeep and treatment of poultry. It appears that a phenominum is happening with taking things that have been recommended by the more experienced and the new folks automatically using whatever treatment read about without really knowing what the problem is with their birds.

Folks this board is here for more than entertainment, its here to help and for anyone who is uncertain to ask questions. Remember there are no dumb questions and your birds' quality of life depends on those questions.

There have been times when I've thought to myself those poor birds, why didn't this person ask before taking this course of action? Ask, ask, ask. If there is no good answer or more information is needed then through dialogue more than likely there is someone here who can help.

I've come to this board on more than one occassion with health questions and as long as they're a part of my life I have no doubt that I will continue when I'm uncertain.

 

[bigzio]

Robin, I can't say this enough. Being prepared is more important than starting.

Stress is caused by not being prepared.

Simple as it seems, it seems difficult for some to follow.

I think most people don't realize how much there is to learn, even on the most basic level.

Some fanciers that have been at this for over 30 years will even tell you that they learn something new from time to time....

bigzio

 

[robin416]

Bigzio, part of the problem is that folks are running to the "emergency" kit without really knowing what the problem is. I've read so often about giving antibiotics to newly hatched chicks because that's how they've always done it. Not understanding why the peeps have the squirts then find out they are loaded up with sugar. One from the other board a bird suffering horribly because it was an internal layer but the person would not take the steps necessary to help the bird.

None of things were done with an intent to cause harm it was the not knowing how, when or what when it comes to treating.

Your statement that there is always something to learn and knowing the basics are very true and important. But when there is a situation happening and you're not certain what it is its time to ask first or contact the vet, don't jump in with both feet and make a bad situation worse.

 

[chix]

i live in a rural area. i'm not excatly sure what is the message in the originl post but like robin states,i came into this culture quite accidentallly. i came home from vacation to find that 3 hens made my home their home as well. dh and i grew to love them and since then we have gotten many more hens. this has been a learing process and i have found this board invaluable as far as learing tools for what to to.

 

[robin416]

Its not any one other post, its reading and rereading the bad situations being made worse by unintenionally doing the wrong thing. As the popularity of having backyard chickens explodes, the reason for this board, there seems to be more posts about problems caused because the new owner didn't know any better.

A good example is the Easter egg chick thing. The parents buying these chicks don't know anything at all about raising a chicken but they buy them anyway. If they asked first they'd know that the practice is not advisable.

 

[pegbo]

When in doubt, ask, ask ask!!! Keeping chickens is and always will be a learning experience! I've only been at it for two years but I've learned so much. I have a very healthy flock and I've also never tried to fix a problem without asking for help first. When I was young my cousin recieved a dyed Easter chick. It of course died very shortly after she got it. My mom and dad never thought that was right and neither have I. Some inexperience is expected in this field but if you don't know how to make your chicken well ask for help, there's always some one on this forum who knows what to do or knows of a web site that addresses that particular problem, so don't be afraid to ask for help!!!

 

[bigzio]

Robin, I agree that taking actions and wearing the hat of a veterinarian needs careful thought and consideration. My eyes also roll many times reading some of the posts. I can be very critical and refrain from posting because I don't have anything good to say. I wish I had a solution to offer and maybe in time with everyones help we will accomplish that goal. I will continue to keep the faith that somehow we really are helping the ones in need, while educating those who need it most. It can be frustrating when one thinks his post was in vain, however we really need to think it made a difference.

I offer help from experience only. If I haven't solved the specific problem in the past, or have a solution that I know for sure works, then I won't just give my opinion and even then my suggestion might be questioned.

Good intentions are what we are trying to display here and all we can do is try.

Glad you are caring and so am I.

bigzio