rooster stopped crowing and hens stopped laying

[ChickenCanoe]

As creatures of habit, they are wary of changes but they'll get used to it.
They will thank you for the ventilation.
I don't know where you are but many predators are stronger than chicken wire and most use hardware cloth for openings. I like the idea of screen to keep mosquitos but it is too fine and often gets clogged with dust.
I hope the changes help. Keep us informed.

 

[swindlechick]

As creatures of habit, they are wary of changes but they'll get used to it.
They will thank you for the ventilation.
I don't know where you are but many predators are stronger than chicken wire and most use hardware cloth for openings. I like the idea of screen to keep mosquitos but it is too fine and often gets clogged with dust.
I hope the changes help. Keep us informed.

I'm in north alabama. We definitely have our share of predators, but I have also extended our dog's invisible fence wire to down around the run.
I was finally able to catch the game rooster. He is very alert and did not like that I was holding him, but his breast bone was very thin. I checked my hens and my one other rooster and they are fine. What should I do for him or is there anything I can do?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'd get a fecal sample from him read by a vet for parasites. In Alabama, he could very well have worms. It's best to get the sample so you know what parasites are present, what the load is so you can utilize an appropriate treatment.

 

[aart]

Any change or trauma (like a predator attack) can cause stress......no telling how long it will affect them.

The chicken wire and insect screen will be great for ventilation....but ....it not exclude predators, you might want to add something sturdier, like 1/2" hardware cloth or 1" welded wire.

 

[swindlechick]

I'd get a fecal sample from him read by a vet for parasites. In Alabama, he could very well have worms. It's best to get the sample so you know what parasites are present, what the load is so you can utilize an appropriate treatment.

I had read that crushed red pepper would act as a wormer, but as I gave that to them last week and he is still sick, I'm gonna guess that it at least didn't work for me. I'm calling the vet today. Thanks for all your help.

 

[swindlechick]

waiting on a call from the only vet close by to see if they will see him or not. He and one of my hens are having the same problem so they are quarantined. Found a thread on here that had a recipe for a "clean out" mash, for lack of a better term. Oatmeal, bran, cornmeal, and milk. I mixed that up and put some garlic in it. gave it to the ones outside as a preventative and have the two inside eating it also. They seem to be perking up a bit. My game rooster that everyone was so terrified of sat in my lap drinking water out of a dropper like a little baby bird eating a worm lol. If nothing else, I tried.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I had read that crushed red pepper would act as a wormer, but as I gave that to them last week and he is still sick, I'm gonna guess that it at least didn't work for me. I'm calling the vet today. Thanks for all your help.

Lots of things deter worms like garlic and black walnut. I use herbals as a preventative measure. But if there is an infestation, it's time for real anthelmintic meds. Screwing around won't solve the problem.

If the vet will, good deal. If they don't see chickens just tell them you only need a fecal tested for worms. Worms are worms and all animals get them. If they can read a fecal for dogs, cats or cows - they can read one for chicken feces.
Collect a couple from him while you are waiting. Just follow him around with a baggie.

 

[swindlechick]

He's not pooping, or hasn't since I brought him in the house. I'm trying to get him to eat enough of the mash to be able to. Not trying to screw around about this. I'm simply new to all this and having to learn as I go. I'm sure this is something everyone does at some point in their life.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I understand, it's just that some people don't fight fire with fire. I hope you can get him to eat. Try mixing the mash with some water, plain yogurt or milk and even a little honey or other sweetener.