The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[lalaland]

Delish, was hoping and afraid to of an update from you. this is such hard news. We are all rooting for you and your flock.

 

[Leahs Mom]

CoopChick, may I ask:

-What kind of feed are you using? (Whether fermenting or not.)
-When you ferment, are you doing lacto-fermenting or alcohol fermenting?
-Does your ferment ever smell "yeast-like" (or like mold) or does it have a more "sour/tangy" smell?

 

[aoxa]

Del how many are left?

I'm really hoping you can get the ones acting off to pull through.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Del how many are left?

I'm really hoping you can get the ones acting off to pull through.

Yes - update, please.

Hoping for the best.

 

[armorfirelady]

Quote: x2

 

[aoxa]

Yes - update, please.

Hoping for the best.

We all have come to love one another's birds and each other, so Vicki if you need anything, we are here for you.

 

[Pozees]

Thanks Kassaundra! That's what puzzles me! So many fermenters here. I swear I'm not using anything different than anyone here. I will feed dry for a while and start a small new batch of FF later on.

Sounds to me like the problem originates from parasites weakening the birds. If they have worms, they are not getting the nutrition that's going down their throats. You have been feeding very well from what you describe.

As much as I want to do everything naturally, there are times that call for chemicals, or sacrificing some or all of the flock if I refuse to use them. I can treat for parasites and continue natural husbandry so the flock is able to overcome the parasite load and regain health. Their offspring will be more likely not to need the assistance of chemicals.

The flock I have been raising is an initial flock - birds hatched elsewhere, or birds hatched here from shipped eggs. The point is they are not indigenous to my property. They originate from a variety of sources, climates, native parasites and birds. Their offspring will have a better chance of overcoming whatever challenges await them on my property, at my elevation, in my climate.

I have treated for both mites and worms this year, and used chemicals to do it. I hated every minute of it, and hoped I wasn't killing them with the chemicals. When I picked up a hen that was crawling with mites I hated myself for not catching it sooner. She is a hen that cannot afford a day or two to see if natural treatment works - she is a little cross beaked Silkie that most would have just put down at 4 weeks when they noticed her beak was crossing, but she was doing so well at the time I didn't have the heart to do it. She is 9 months old now, the prettiest little white pullet, named Marshmallow by DH, but her weight is always on the brink of too low, and I knew time was of the essence, so I bought chemicals. By then my birds were weakened between fighting mites and battling the Marek's that had swept through the flock earlier, and I was seeing failure to thrive in birds that should have been coming to point of lay. I bought Safeguard and wormed them.

The world we live in now lets us buy birds and eggs from all over the country instead of just having access to birds in the general vicinity. This is wonderful in that it allows us all the variety we can afford, but it also means we are creating a foreign environment for the birds we bring from disparate areas, and the more unique your own setting is, the more likely it presents challenges to any bird imported from a different area. My goal is to have a flock that never requires chemical intervention, but I have to get the first generation raised in order to reach that goal.

Just the thoughts that popped into my head as soon as I read your post.

 

[Scott H]

So sorry to read about your birds Vicki.....sure you are very busy trying to save them...wishing you the best.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Good thoughts Judi. I'm very thankful that I haven't had to deal with either worms or mites...hope I never do.

 

[Scott H]

Good thoughts Judi. I'm very thankful that I haven't had to deal with either worms or mites...hope I never do.

Have you taken a sample to the vet to check for worms? I would be very surprised they didn't have worms if they are allowed out on the ground.