Recent content by VSP

I tried a dropper and syringe, but not the dipping. I will try that. Thank you.

Thank you. Her comb did go dark, but it was also rather dirty, I thini she was sleeping with her head on the ground last night. She let me clean it and her beak and head feathers while resting on my lap this afternoon. She is not usually so accommodating, but she actually seemed to enjoy it...

I am afraid cutting into a pet, even one that has passed is way past my comfort level. But I am impressed and in awe of those who can do so. it is a skill and a useful one. This would be my first to die naturally (only my second flock after a horrid predator breach,) so I am a little...

Here is a photo. No change. She looks worse when her eyes are closed. She refuses to open her mouth for water of food...even scrambled eggs. I had to lock the others out when that was around. She opened her eyes but I have no idea how to encourage a hen mouth to open when it does not want...

Thank you. That is what I felt, but I was unsure and did not want to be cruel unintentionally. I am really impressed by the way the others are checkin in on her and then leaving her and then all coming in and hanging out, but not right on top of her and then going out again. It is pretty...

I am very appreciative of these responses. My other hens are all younger and of different breeds from her, so I have little to compare her to. It sounds like this may be a case of helping her stay comfortable. I am open to thoughts on that from those who know more, as well. I am going out to...

Thank you. I am on it. Breed is unclear. My daughter-in-law got the first flock we had from a hardware supply store near her during covid lockdown. "Red" Sex-link of some sort. I will try to get a picture the next time I go to check on her. JUST got back and am going to whip up some...

Hi all, Three days ago my oldest hen (3 1/2 years) began to act a little "off". She was eating just fine and staying with the flock, but moving more slowly than usual. Yesterday I noticed her sitting away from the others and not eager to come when I was feeding afternoon greens. I lifted her...

Again, thank you. You turned out to be a great resource. 😃

Thank you. THAT was the clearest explanation I have ever seen on the differences. I did not even realize there were more than "chick" and "Layer"... I will transition all the feeders to chick safe feed and make sure the oyster shell bowl is never low. Easier solution than i imagined. 😃

My chicks are over 8 weeks old and have been introduced to the 2 hens I still have via a dividing pen. Things seem to be going well, and I had hoped to have them all together within the next few weeks, but the set up is untenable for an additional 10 weeks when they will transition to the same...

Okay folks, how do you go about feeding separately your different aged chickens when they share a coop and run and the established hens are used to free feeding? I have 3--5 weeks before my chicks are ready to join the mature girls and I have not done this before and had not considered that the...

@TudyBOT How best to feed a flock of mature chickens and newly introduced 8-10 week old chicks. Must we maintain separate feed?

I do not post here much, and the threads are confusing me... I thought I replied to you directly and I am not sure from what I see now. I want to be sure to thank you for your time and thoughtfulness. While I am upset and calming as we do the needed work all day, I think the girls are having a...

Yes. But mostly that is not the case and THAT is what I am working to remember right now. Same with living in this lovely countryside... it comes with these wildlife neighbors. This converted. city girl is still working on that part. Thank you for your kindness and time. I agree that...