Silkie thread!

[Debbienmousey]

For those of you who let your Silkies/other hens hatch chicks, do you let them hatch in the fall? Up until this year I have always only let my hens hatch in spring and early summer. During summer I didn't want the hens sitting on the nest because it gets so hot in the coop sometimes, and I normally didn't let them hatch in the fall because I was afraid that the chicks wouldn't be feathered enough in time for the cold wet weather. This year I let them hatch a little more throughout the summer, and I currently have two hens sitting on eggs. They're due to hatch in about 11 days. I have 2 other broody hens though that aren't sitting on eggs, and I was wondering if I should set some under them or not. Here in Washington, Georgia we normally get our first frost around Halloween, and the eggs/chicks in question will be Silkies and Buttercups. I have 3 roomy boxes in the coop that the hens/chicks could live in for a little while should the weather turn really cold, but at what age should chicks be able to stand temps of 50-60 degrees during the day and 40ish at night? Do you think I should set eggs under the other 2 hens or not?

 

[NewToFarming]

My experience has been that the momma's will keep them warm. I have a couple of good moms that take care of them for a good long while. I also have roo's that let them snuggle in too if the momma's are done.

 

[BerthasMommy]

Quote:
thank you for all your help chicklette!!! She drank some chick saver with out a battle lol now she is getting ready for bed I think we are both tuckered out....

now here is my next question this is my healthy 4 month old silkie that is supose to be a rooster......anyone want to reasure me lol

here we go lol

 

[racuda]

Quote:
I have let hens hatch chicks year round. I have a picture somewhere of week old chicks in the run with snow in January.

 

[NewToFarming]

Quote:
When I got home from errands i believed that she may have drank and ate a little......Then i finally saw her poop, brown and white looked normal..i gave her some save a chick even though she fought me a little. Took her outside and she walked a few steps and chirped at the passing cars...she just doesnt want to move around she wants to lay with her head tucked like shes napping. here heat feels good....she still keeps her eyes shut most of the time....maybe she is semi-blind or maybe lazy or maybe depressed lol..i hate being a crazy worried chicken momma

I would keep trying with the lytes and also try offering any yummy treat she might like. Scrambled eggs are a good treat as well as yogurt to try and get her motivated to eat. Mine go bonkers over the dried meal worms and they are a real good source of protein. Another thing I do is mix chicken feed with water so it is like a gruel add vitamins and my chickens think it is the best treat on earth!!! LOL

I hope your new little girl gets better!! Keep us posted!!!

 

[BerthasMommy]

Quote:
When I got home from errands i believed that she may have drank and ate a little......Then i finally saw her poop, brown and white looked normal..i gave her some save a chick even though she fought me a little. Took her outside and she walked a few steps and chirped at the passing cars...she just doesnt want to move around she wants to lay with her head tucked like shes napping. here heat feels good....she still keeps her eyes shut most of the time....maybe she is semi-blind or maybe lazy or maybe depressed lol..i hate being a crazy worried chicken momma

I would keep trying with the lytes and also try offering any yummy treat she might like. Scrambled eggs are a good treat as well as yogurt to try and get her motivated to eat. Mine go bonkers over the dried meal worms and they are a real good source of protein. Another thing I do is mix chicken feed with water so it is like a gruel add vitamins and my chickens think it is the best treat on earth!!! LOL

I hope your new little girl gets better!! Keep us posted!!!

Ok update this morning...she is getting worse now she is starting to roll and catch herself on the left side...i was looking at her and under her beak i saw this....it feels like a bone so i wonder if its a neck injury and maybe thats why she wont eat and maybe not curable

 

[NewToFarming]

Quote:
I would keep trying with the lytes and also try offering any yummy treat she might like. Scrambled eggs are a good treat as well as yogurt to try and get her motivated to eat. Mine go bonkers over the dried meal worms and they are a real good source of protein. Another thing I do is mix chicken feed with water so it is like a gruel add vitamins and my chickens think it is the best treat on earth!!! LOL

I hope your new little girl gets better!! Keep us posted!!!

Ok update this morning...she is getting worse now she is starting to roll and catch herself on the left side...i was looking at her and under her beak i saw this....it feels like a bone so i wonder if its a neck injury and maybe thats why she wont eat and maybe not curable

http://i56.tinypic.com/ng7biu.jpg

Oh gosh! I am not sure about the neck think about the bone but how does her crop feel? You need to check her out for everything because she is losing strength. Check to see if she has any lice/mites as well because that can make them very weak. Is she drinking on her own for you? I believe I remember you saying she was only 4 months so I don't believe her to be eggbound. Check her over very well and see if there is anything else you might notice. Maybe someone else can chime in about the neck, because I am not sure with that.

 

[BerthasMommy]

Quote:
Ok update this morning...she is getting worse now she is starting to roll and catch herself on the left side...i was looking at her and under her beak i saw this....it feels like a bone so i wonder if its a neck injury and maybe thats why she wont eat and maybe not curable

http://i56.tinypic.com/ng7biu.jpg

Oh gosh! I am not sure about the neck think about the bone but how does her crop feel? You need to check her out for everything because she is losing strength. Check to see if she has any lice/mites as well because that can make them very weak. Is she drinking on her own for you? I believe I remember you saying she was only 4 months so I don't believe her to be eggbound. Check her over very well and see if there is anything else you might notice. Maybe someone else can chime in about the neck, because I am not sure with that.

she wont eat or drink for me this morning....her crop is empty this morning she at yesterday....do i need to force food to her???? its strange she just sits there and slightly moves her head around to the side where she was keeping it tucked but isnt tucking it today

 

[NewToFarming]

Quote:
Oh gosh! I am not sure about the neck think about the bone but how does her crop feel? You need to check her out for everything because she is losing strength. Check to see if she has any lice/mites as well because that can make them very weak. Is she drinking on her own for you? I believe I remember you saying she was only 4 months so I don't believe her to be eggbound. Check her over very well and see if there is anything else you might notice. Maybe someone else can chime in about the neck, because I am not sure with that.

she wont eat or drink for me this morning....her crop is empty this morning she at yesterday....do i need to force food to her???? its strange she just sits there and slightly moves her head around to the side where she was keeping it tucked but isnt tucking it today

Do you think it might be wry neck?

 

[BerthasMommy]

Quote:
she wont eat or drink for me this morning....her crop is empty this morning she at yesterday....do i need to force food to her???? its strange she just sits there and slightly moves her head around to the side where she was keeping it tucked but isnt tucking it today

Do you think it might be wry neck?

i am starting to believe it may be i rubbed that area and tried to get her to stretch her neck up and she cant when you rub from her head to the area in question its shaped like an s.........