We have chickens dying!!!!

[ajaldridge]

I almost forgot, I looked at Ollies rear end this morning and tonight and it looks much better! But I still think I may move him indoors until he grows some feathers back on it, or at least for the weekend.

 

[ajaldridge]

Ollie is doing better and has been moved back outside with all her chicken friends. I did it last night before heading to work and this morning when I got home I had stopped and got some worms to feed them. After changing out their water and putting out fresh food I let them go after it with the worms. They were so noisy that my neighbors came out to see what was going on!!! After apologizing we watched them eat worms and I noticed Ollie is definately back to her old self, She kept trying to hog all the worms for herself. She doesn't like to share much and I have to keep an eye on her. After I thought she'd had enough I had to take her out and hold her and give her attention so the other chickies would get their share of the worms, even then she ended up getting most of them. She loved the attention from a stranger though, I think that was worth loosing out on the rest of the worms!! Thanks everyone!!!

 

[MarlaKaye]

I have trouble now and then with one chicken being lower in pecking order and getting pecked on. When this happens I bring some inside at nite. Depending on the situation. They are really no bother because it only takes a cozy cardboard box to house them for the nite. with a newspaper and a roost, (piece of log) they are easy to clean out. The chicken won't walk in the defecation if thy have a log to stand on, and it all goes in one place. Sometimes they just need a peaceful nite's sleep.
I put DE on the log perches for my "BED and Breakfast" gals. Just so I don't chance mites getting started.
Since this became such a helpful stopgap; till resolutions could be reached, I have taken it a step further... I have an old glass incased cupboard with devided rows of of shelves. I display hats in it. I have now dedicated one row of the shelves to my Girls Bed and Breakfast. They just love it. once they get settled in and have supper, they have no desire to leave, so I don't have to even close the door. I do close it partially, so they don't get a draft, though. when the sun begins to set, they are out like a light.
I like the glass because I can see at a glance (nightlite on) that they are fine and comfy. The shelves are movable so I can make four separate rooms. If I didn't tell anyone, it would be my secret. (So
remember, it's our little secret.

I must say here, that this affords me the opportunity to observe individual habits and symptoms. I discovered one was blind, other times I could tell who had runny stools. I can take specimens, and I happen to have a labaratory, having been a Jungle Doctor in my Missionary days) Another time I was able to determine that the bird was self pecking at it's feathers, and on and on. If the chick has a mate then I usually bring the mate in too. Our chickens are mostly bantam or miniturre, though we also have Peafowl. I won't go into detail there. I learn alot too, by weighing and keeping careful records,(Birthdays, dates, problems, illnesses, weights, age of bird, medications, imunizations, injuries, names of mates etc.) and occaisionally bathing one. It's important if the chicks are at all competitive to provide multiple feeding and watering stations. And watch thier weights diligently. I believe in giving treats directly from the hand only. That way they learn to wait thier turn, and I know if anyone is feeling poorly, especially if they don't come out for the treat. Sometimes they are just broody, but I don't assume, I keep an eye on that, too.

Now this seems to me like I am talking as though I know it all. I sure Don't, I am just sharing what I'm learning in hopes that I can learn more from others who will share, too. That reminds me. A small group of grown chickens, of one breed, were looking aweful this fall. Hubby reports that thier feathers are coming back in. I was really worried about them. Even the vet didn't know what to make of it. I am wondering if they got carried away with molting season. hmmm

I wish you all the best and favor of providence,

WE have a group of chickens at the farm and a group here in town, too. We went to city hall and got the laws changed so we could have some here at home.
If anyone wants to know how to go about that, contact me or just .do a websearch on the subject. We had our own unique pitfalls and cliffhangers.
It's happening all over the country so this is the time to have backyard chickens in your town and get it done.

(one hubbie, one fullgrown son with daughter in love, (married) a tonkineese cat who thinks she is caretaker of the chickens, 6 peafowl, and around five score chickens.)