The Sickly Hen Project

[Darkwings]

Managed to pick up the hens tonight. I ended up with 6 hens total. I got them home and mixed them up some dinner. I did a large handful of layer pellets, a small handful of BOSS and a couple large spoonfuls of cottage cheese. They gobbled it up! I couldn't believe how quickly they devoured it. Ended up giving another spoonful of cottage cheese. That bowl is spotless. Also gave them some water with ACV in it. They'll be sleeping in the garage tonight and put out in the coop tomorrow. I will be taking individual pictures and examining each of them tomorrow. Something interesting I noticed. Their poop is REALLY smelly. I have never encountered chicken manure with such a strong smell before. That will also be getting looked at tomorrow.

 

[Smoochie]

You are doing a great thing. Those hens are lucky to have a new home. Stinky poo is probably the product of living off scratch.

 

[casportpony]

You are doing a great thing. Those hens are lucky to have a new home. Stinky poo is probably the product of living off scratch.

It can also be a sign of coccidiosis.

 

[Darkwings]

Well the girls are in their new quarantine area. They all got their legs sprayed with scarlet oil and their wings clipped. The younger hens, the 2 Cuckoo Marans, Buckeye and California Grey, ook to be underfed and slightly anemic. The two older girls though, an EE and what I think is a Leghorn, are definitely the worst off. They both have a lot of feather loss on their backs and wings. It looks like more than just a bad molt. Possibly has to do with being over-mated, so we'll see how they do without a rooster. Made up another batch of cottage cheese surprise that was once again devoured. Everyone seems to have settled down pretty quickly so hopefully they'll transition into this new situation smoothly. I will add some pictures tonight. In the meantime, here's the worst one. Feel free to comment on breed.

 

[Smoochie]

It can also be a sign of coccidiosis.

Very true, I always treat new adult hen with coccidiocide in their water just in case.

I can see why you rescued them! Poor girl

 

[Darkwings]

California Grey



Leghorn

 

[Darkwings]

Buckeye


Cuckoo Marans



EE







I have more on my camera but I can't find the cord.

 

[Darkwings]

I've had the girls for almost a week now and they are doing great! They are all bright eyed and very active. They were quite lethargic and slow when I first picked them up. Still working on those leg mites, but they'll be cleared up soon enough. I really wish I had gotten starting weights on them so I could compare them each week. Oh well, maybe I'll start that this week. All in all I'm very happy with their progress. On a side note, my two ducks have turned out to be drakes.

Anyone want to play matchmaker for these two? lol

 

[Darkwings]

Time for an update. The hens are doing very well! They're appetites are up, the ones that were missing large patches of feathers are growing them back in. All in all I'm very happy with the progress so far.

 

[Darkwings]

Well, I've had the girls 2 weeks now. I managed to snap a quick picture this morning of the hen that was worst off to show her progress. Top picture is from 2 weeks ago. Bottom 2 are from today.