RESEARCH

[mpoland33]

Hey everyone...

I know I could probably answer my own question here by looking at all the posts here...but figure I would start a new thread anyway.

I'm in the research phase....that phase where I'm reporting everything back to the wife trying to gauge how much all this is going to cost me.

I'm curious about a couple things.

What is the most common disease or illness I'll see? I'm going to have 6 hens...probably a variety between buffs, RIRs, and another breed.



Also, for those that go to the vet to treat your hens, how much can I expect a visit to cost? I have dogs so I know those visits but didnt know if chickens were less?

For those that treat their own, where do you get the medicines and how expensive are they?


I'll be getting the hens started and not as chicks.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Percheron chick]

Your biggest expense will be the coop. Next is feed. Medical is practically nothing. The only maintenance expense for me has been deworming. Having a vet that will work on poultry is a rarity. You can start with your small animal vet or get a recommendation. Remember, it is a $20 hen. You are more apt to have a necropsy done when you can't explain why she died and wanting to protect the remaining hens. You can buy certain products online on sites like Jeffers or Valley Vet. rX are still going to require a vet visit.

 

[mpoland33]

Thanks so much for your response. I know some people medicate or treat their chickens themselves so I wasn't sure if it was a big cost.