WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?

[PirateGirl]

As to the combs question, some a pale and floppy and some are bright red and stand erect.

Are the ones that are pale and floppy on the birds that look the worst? If examining birds for external parasites like mites and lice I would definitely make sure to closely look at a few with the pale floppy combs.

I agree that 6 birds would be much better in the space you already have.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

As to the combs question, some a pale and floppy and some are bright red and stand erect.

Leghorn hens' combs are supposed to flop over. As are all Mediterranean breeds.

Some pictures of healthy Leghorns.
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGK/Leghorns/BRKLeghorns.html

 

[PirateGirl]

Leghorn hens' combs are supposed to flop over. As are all Mediterranean breeds.

Some pictures of healthy Leghorns.
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGK/Leghorns/BRKLeghorns.html

Ah, good catch! but in any case, bright red is the ideal color for a healthy layer's comb!

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

EEK...ok...i see my problem then

You need minimum 4 sq ft per bird

 

[The Phantom]

I live in Middlesbrough, North East England.
@The Phantom I mean that dad got livid with me and we have got rid off them.
How many birds would you recommend for that size coop?

Ok. I would probably say 6 also. I have my 18 chickens in a 16’x24’ run. They also free range.

 

[TelfTheElf]

Thankz very much guys/gals!
great help from you all!
I have decided to get rid off my old flock and start afresh with a flock about half the size.

 

[PirateGirl]

Why not just get rid of half?

 

[gtaus]

...How many birds would you recommend for that size coop?

You said your coop is 4 feet X 6 feet = 24 square feet. My chicken books recommend 3-4 square feet per bird in the coop, or 6 to 8 birds for your coop.

Your run is 4 feet X 16 feet = 64 square feet. Recommendations are about 10 square feet per bird in the run, or 6 birds in your case.

If you are having hygiene issues with your birds, I agree with others that you should consider reducing your flock size for the health of the birds, or increasing the size of your coop and run. It appears that they are overcrowded in your current setup.

 

[gtaus]

...I have decided to get rid off my old flock and start afresh with a flock about half the size.

I suspect you will have twice the enjoyment with half as many chickens. Their overall hygiene should improve with smaller numbers in your setup. Sounds like you have a good plan moving forward.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

Thankz very much guys/gals!
great help from you all!
I have decided to get rid off my old flock and start afresh with a flock about half the size.

Hmm. Where might you "get rid of them" to? Giving away, culling? Options are your decision, but it is likely that your flock can be brought to health if some care is taken and a reduction in their numbers. Remember that frequently handled hens will be easier to maintain and treat. I make sure all my hens get handled regularly so that they are accustomed to funny human behaviors. Approaching and treating them at night usually works the best, as their roosting instincts place them in easy to grab locations and they are typically tired and docile. For my flock, this is about 730. Sick chickens might not make good eating
Your problems can be fixed. The best thing is that you came and asked for help!
I personally do not follow the guidelines for spacing of birds only because they free range dawn to dusk every single day on 4 acres and my coop is a full adult height walk in room so cleaning is simple. Be realistic, if this is an option for you or not, for most keepers it is not an option. Otherwise a flock of 6 birds is a lovely flock and that's still more eggs than one can eat per week.