Dittos, I'd wrap her in a towel to hold her still, then apply warm salt water wet rags to ease some of that swelling. Poor thing. She looks miserable. Hope she recovers quickly!
So glad to hear somebody say this. It's absolutely true. These chicken companies churn out so many birds every year, it's gotten way too mixed up. But we love them all, even if they do end up in Freezer Camp:)
I'm noticing the same thing with a few of mine as well. 9 week old buff orpington pullets here in South Carolina. They seem normal, just so pale! I've had chickens since 2016 so I'm used to watching for various problems. One thing that helps me 90% of the time is adding yogurt and ground up...
I have a wildlife camera but we needed it for something else-- lots of wildlife around these parts as well. And yes, hardware cloth is important--we have a combination of chicken wire and hardware cloth but there are always vulnerabilities within a structure, and this was an example.
I forgot to post an update (we're busy with everything). Fiona made a full recovery, needed about 2-3 weeks in a separate pen outside, with daily and then every few days' applications of zinc oxide cream (make your own using zinc oxide powder and olive oil). Zinc oxide is nice for wound...
I've had many roosters (the result of straight runs from Tractor Supply). So far, this is what I have been doing, it's worked with 4 successive roo's so I'm sharing it here: Pick him up. Don't be rough or sudden, but find a way to pick him up and tuck him under your arm like you would a...
Reinforcing chicken run. Possum has gotten in twice this year. We have 14 pullets coming up in the world and 22 chickens in the other pen. We're not willing to lose even one more. 🐥
5-21-23
This morning I discovered Fiona--one of our Brahma hens--standing alone in a dog igloo (it's mostly there for decoration--they live in a covered run. All the other 34 hens looked fine but Monty, our rooster, seemed a little agitated. I went to check Fiona because I noticed she wasn't...
You're fine. They are made to be in a brooder or tub with lots of furry beings around. Many feel these are safer than heat lamps which can burst or overheat.
I had a hard time at first, until my husband (who is more experienced) told me to always say a little prayer for them before culling, and thank them for their lives. It helps me a lot. Every bird gets a little prayer and a minute to "settle" before I proceed.
Another thing that helped me with...
I'm glad I came across this. I have 23 hens and 3 roosters. One is huge (and just gorgeous). 17 of the hens are the same age as Mr. Silver: 8 months, and it does look as if he's squishing them as he literally stands on their backs to mate. And worse, my 2 year old Brahma ladies are...