Sdwd

[rancher hicks]

So I lost another chick today of the BR's. Claudia said it was a lack of vitamins so I've switched them to Manna Pro for the time being.

I've never needed anything special with my chicks and have lost only one new born a few days old so this is a mystery to me.

Apparently three out of four advisors have suggested inbreeding as the problem. (in the multitude of counselors there is safety,- Proverbs) So I will rest with that should I lose any more. I will also be looking for some unrelated line to throw in here and dilute the gene pool.

I don't know why just a medicated feed would not have enough vitamins. But someone suggested a higher protein feed so the Manna Pro is 24% up from the 20% I had started with.


On another note: I was holding a Silky chick showing a friend what they look like this morning. Well I just got up from a nap and had a dream that I was showing someone my chickens and the Silkies had laid a bunch of eggs hidden in the straw. Could be one of two things. 1. I need more eggs for sales or B. They are trying to get in my head. I'll go with B. Sneaky, sneaky.


Hey I never said I wasn't funny, but I am fun.

Rancher

 

[speckledhen]

Can't imagine a lack of vitamins, Tim. Starter feed of 20% protein, especially if it has animal protein and is fresh, should have all a chick needs. Could be long term nutritional deficiency in the parent stock or genetic issues somewhere, as you mentioned.

I hate these mysteries! I've never fed more than 18% starter/grower combo since that is what is available around these parts and I rarely lose chicks.

 

[PepsNick]

The medication in chick feed is a Thiamine blocker. That's a vitamin supplement, and chicks need all 8 vitamins... Can't remember exactly which it blocks. I use un-medicated because of this. I believe that Kathy posted this.

I love Manna Pro feeds. Fixed all my egg problems and has quick customer service.

 

[PepsNick]

Quote:
Is that the Thompson or Stukel line?

 

[speckledhen]

The birds look great, much improved over hatchery stock, and that's all I wanted, so doesn't really matter. Not showing, not breeding, just wanted better looking BRs in my yard to reproduce from in the future.

 

[PepsNick]

ETA:

I'm an idiot...

 

[speckledhen]

No, you're not, but I just didn't want to answer the question and you didn't recognize an evasive maneuver.

Gloria Jean, I sent you an email, dear.

I have something for you.


LH, thanks for letting me cry over the phone about my Lexie. I usually can control myself, but dang, this was such a hard day.

 

[kathyinmo]

Cyn,
I am sorry for your loss.

This past year has certainly been a difficult time for you, I am sure. It is painful to lose pets, for sure. I sure hope things start looking up for you. Go ahead and cry....... it helps, really it does! Sorry for your pain, Cyn.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Cyn, I am sorry for your loss

 

[scbatz33]

Quote:
On Sarah's puter.... Cyn, no problem ever...you can cry on me anytime...and I will cry with you.