What did you do with your flock today?

[TropicalBabies]

Penelope has now shaken off her chest infection (hurrah!) but now has another problem!
The feathers moulted off the back of her neck and have revealed a patch of thickened, scaly-looking skin. The new feathers coming through in that spot are slightly poorer than normal. When I gave her a thorough exam, I noticed a couple of feathers that made me think de-pluming mites. There's no sign of egg clusters on the feather shafts though. I also found one red mite running about in her feathers, highly unusual to find one on the bird and the coops are being treated for mites each week.
I'm unsure if the skin issue is down to mites or a fungal infection. She's getting treated with micronazole cream in case it's fungal and I'm going to have to find something I can use safely whilst she's moulting.

So happy to read the good news. I'm sure all will be 100% very soon. Do keep us posted.

 

[TropicalBabies]

I have kept my 6 gals locked inside the run for the last 3 days with no outside yard time for them. Worst mom ever Going to toss them some chopped Papaya to make amends, though they will remain locked up, for no reason other than giving the yard a break and for my convenience.

Nice day today, feels a bit cooler than usual.

Still getting very few eggs.

 

[Nomadicus]

I doubled check the coops tonight to be sure that I had closed them all in nice and tight. The Dark Cornish are all present and accounted for. What is missing is the eggs they laid today out in the log pile because they got out a daylight much to their delight.

 

[PopoMyers]

Poop patrol today. Answer me this. Do roosters only mount hens that are laying, or are they indiscriminate?

 

[ValerieJ]

Poop patrol today. Answer me this. Do roosters only mount hens that are laying, or are they indiscriminate?

My roosters have been more on the indiscriminate side although they do tend to have their favorites. I sure wish they'd mount the laying hens and be sure I have fertilized eggs. I have a broody who has kicked two out so far. Obviously not viable.

 

[akroberts1085]

Our flock went from 97 to six yesterday, thanks two stray dogs.

They were in a run with a 5' tall door and 6' tall fence.

Two lessons learned:
Fit stray Alaskan Malamutes can jump at least 5', or climb a 6' fence - maybe both. Not these two though - anymore.

Lastly, appreciate what you have - always, because Murphy is there - waiting.

This is not a pity story, its informational. It happens. Start over. I should not of had all my chickens in one basket.

So today, I'm grateful for the 6 remaining birds. Today we'll start to rebuild and add a new 6' door to that access point (as if its enough).

 

[Shetland lover]

Thank you. How is dear Penelope? One of my Brahmas had terrible, scaly, inflamed skin on her head when I got her, and I used a coconut oil, frankincense and lavender salve. Could this work for her?

What a great idea! I've got lavender and frankincense essential oil so I'll get some coconut oil and give it a try.
Penelope is pretty much back to normal personality and behaviour wise. She's eating more but her appetite is still depressed. She even refused a live morio worm yesterday. Normally, she snatches the container out of my hands if I'm not careful. I'm hoping it's just down to being in moult. All of my boys and girls eat much less whilst moulting.

 

[Nomadicus]

Poop patrol today. Answer me this. Do roosters only mount hens that are laying, or are they indiscriminate?

I don't know what it is about my roosters but I've watched them single out a hen and run right by a dozen more to get to her. They are crazy.

 

[Shetland lover]

Poop patrol today. Answer me this. Do roosters only mount hens that are laying, or are they indiscriminate?

The roos I've had tend to be pretty indiscriminate. Even my feet were a target for Sylv At the moment, I haven't seen any actual mating and I think it's down to this horrible, heavy moult. I know Gladys and Penelope have been actively discouraging the boys when they attempt to mount, I.e. kicking their asses from one side of the run to the other

 

[Shetland lover]

That's so awful! I really wish people would take better care of their dogs and be responsible owners, not let them run wild, dump the dogs when they've had enough etc.