What is wrong with my chickens?!

[Mr.Universe]

Thank you so much for your reply. It makes me feel better to know that they are not supposed to be fat. I don't have a photo, but the breed you asked about is the exact one I have.

keep in mind they may bulk up later in life as adults but it may take some time, i fear for my bantams getting through the run fence to the big girls cause they are so small. i think they will forever be house chickens till adults just because of theyre size

 

[lifetimechicklover]

advice. there is a CDC center in your town or nearby. take water samples. 3 samples from 3 taps, kitchen, outside, and whatever source you are using to supply water for youre girls. they test samples for free or i believe 20 dollars. get a full pathogen test done.

now that i know you are on well water. do you know where the well head is located? is there livestock in that area (meaning cattle/horses specifically) if so, is there a barn or holding pen within 100 feet of the well head?

it is possible the well was placed on a underground spring, as such as weather changes and the seasons dry it sinks all the top soil into the ground.

e-coli imparticular is not something that gets filtered through natural means till it hits the stream and is entirely possible this could be the cause. we have to fight our well due to the dumb neighbors horse stalls basically directly on top of our well head (less then 20 feet and illegally constructed) and they do not muck out the stalls properly which causes a butload of issues for us atleast

MMMMMMMMMMM! Now that's something to think about.....I do live in a rural area with cow pasture near the well, but no barn. Thanks!