Should I buy eggs or wait it out?

[SullyD]

Showbarnmom-How terrible! I know I have raccoons at my place too! I think they are the worst for figuring out ways to get to the chickens, they are too smart! I hope things start improving for you soon!

Sally-Glad things are looking better. I would love to read a summary of what you learned and what changes you have made based on your recent experiences. I know what you mean about time flying by with the kids. Seems like they were just getting on the bus to kindergarten and now I will have 2 more graduating from college in the next three years! Also, on this website, under first aid kits, there is a nice list of recommended first aid items to keep on hand for your chickens.

Last nite I put the 1 week old chicks with the 3 week old chicks, and everyone was alive this morning. They kept to opposite ends of the trough. This morning I put them all out into the small coop and 2 or 3 or the BR's kept going after the chicks and pecking them. I have now re-named the 3 week old chicks, "The Mean Girls". I think they may be close relatives of Roger, but I don't remember if she was mean or just a slacker in the egg laying department! I removed the babies and will keep them in separate quarters until they get a little bigger and can hold their own.

Cheeka, love the pictures!

 

[okallthis4eggs]

I guess its my turn to report a loss. Found one of my 5 1/2 week old chicks dead this morning. This particular chick (a RIR) is the one that was in question about which sex it was. From the beginning this little chick was not normal. Moved around slow. Watched the other chicks a lot but didn't join them. The other RIR chicks have most of their dark feathers on their heads now but the little one who died still had a fuzzy head and really didn't even look like the other RIR's. So last night I was tending to them and one of the Golden Comets grabbed the little chick by the head and picked it up. Then it dropped it and the chick ran to hide. I chased the big birds outside and closed the door so I could check on the chick. I did let big broody in with the other chicks so it was just big broody and the chicks inside the coop. I picked the chick up to see if it was hurt but it looked fine. No blood or marks anywhere. I held it a few minutes because it seem to be relaxing then I sat it on the floor and it couldn't stand up. It fell over on its side like it was passing out (or dying). So I picked it up and put it in a nest box. Figured too much stress done did it in. After the rest of the birds roosted I gave the chick to big broody and she had it close to her last time I checked. The chick was sitting up and nested close to mom just like the others. I had some hope it would be OK when I locked them in last night. I found it dead this morning still sitting next to its mom.

 

[okallthis4eggs]

Honestly I believe me picking the chick up stressed it to its breaking point. Probably was pretty fragile and not in the best shape already. The other chicks are doing great. Growing like weeds. Need to get pictures soon

 

[cheeka]

OK, I'm so sorry! your first loss. that stinks, but it does sound like it wasn't thriving... stinks.

 

[okallthis4eggs]

Looks like Little Roger is going to be my only pullet now. She has a RIR and a Delaware brother

 

[okallthis4eggs]

OK, I'm so sorry! your first loss. that stinks, but it does sound like it wasn't thriving... stinks.

Thanks cheeka. That was my first loss. I figured it might not make it but it never looked sick. Just the development wasn't there. And not social. Probably would have lived a life at the bottom of the pecking order had it lived. That would be cruel so it is probably better off. Not sure if the older birds were not trying to do the humane thing and put it down. After five weeks I thought it had at least a chance but wasn't to be. We will all lose some sooner or later

 

[cheeka]

they don't all make it... and it's so much better to have fat, fluffy healthy birds... it's still sad, but you know what I mean... nature can be cruel to be kind. I will always remember that little white chick of mine that didn't make it. the first of probably many if I keep birds for as many years or decades as I plan...

 

[okallthis4eggs]

Broody coop still not done. Project on hold because of work obligations. Could finish the coop in a day and build the run in a day but I just can't find time right now. I need a broody to force me to find time. No not you ROGER!!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Looks like Little Roger is going to be my only pullet now. She has a RIR and a Delaware brother

Oh dear. Little Roger will have a lot to live up to now. If that chick wasn't growing well, it probably wasn't meant to survive, poor thing. I doubt you picking it up killed it. Who knows how many times one of the older birds went after it. They seem to know which ones are weak, and if a chick can't scoot quickly out of the way of a dominant hen, they certainly don't try to nurture them back to health. Pecking order is law. Tough, but makes the flock stronger in the long run. So glad it wasn't Roger you saw grab the chick, might have ruined your relationship with her.

Was going to wish you a happy Friday before I read the sad news. Hope you get time to relax this weekend.

 

[cheeka]

Violet is seriously broody. I'm quite happy about it. she's a beautiful gal, nice and large and meaty and fluffy... lots of room under there. I'll have her eggs by the middle of next week. I'm hoping that Peach will want to brood one more clutch this summer too... really hoping!