Hi, I am new here & a new chicken mama!

[DClopein]

Hello. I am Dana. I am excited to be here.
A little about my story so far....

I got my first chicks earlier this year from TS, back when they had their Chick Days & I ended up coming home with their minimum of 4. One turned out to be a Roo & I decided to find him a new home cus I didn't really want one. So that left me with my 3 girls. Then a few months ago I rescued 2 hens that were about the same age as mine ( a Naked Neck & a Brahma). So now I had 5 hens. Today ( October 3rd) I lost one of my hens to a unknown illness. Come to find out I wasn't doing what I needed in order to keep a healthy flock & that's because I am uneducated. Just being honest here. I wasn't giving them anything because I was intimidated by all the different views on what you should & shouldn't do. My friend (who is a expert in my eyes ) recommended that I join this community in order to gain some reputable knowledge on how to raise a healthy flock. I absolutely LOVE my girls. They are really sweet & super entertaining sometimes I love my animals & chickens seemed like they weren't to difficult to own. I just want to give them the best life I can. I feel like I totally failed my girl Peggy today I am hoping this community has all the answers I am looking for. I am willing to learn anything I need in order to accomplish a healthy backyard flock. I appreciate any advice anyone has to offer me. I want to learn it all so I can prevent another unnecessary death. I am super new to the whole chicken thing & I am embarrassed that I don't really know much. I really hope y'all can help me learn! ❤

 

[RoyalChick]

Dana welcome to BYC and I am so sorry about your loss. I know it hurts to lose a feathered friend and to feel guilty about it.

There are lots of folk here on BYC with real experience and who are happy to answer questions and many folk who will love to share stories and pictures of their flocks with you. Pretty chickens you have there!
Sometimes you will find even on BYC that the 'eggsperts' differ in their view so it is always good to hear everyone out and understand the basis for their point of view and build your confidence in what to do.
Enjoy the community!

 

[cmom]

Everyone is different and many do things differently, what works best for them. Someone with a very large flock will do things differently than someone with a small flock. We have all had some failures. You will find a lot of good information here Good luck and have fun...

 

[LaFleche]

Hello Dana, and welcome to the BYC commumnity!

I am sorry you lost your Peggy, but confident that with the help of the BYC community it will be easier for you to treat them, the next time any of your girls might get sick.

Is it just the picture, or does this girl have cloggeld nares?

 

[N F C]

Hi Dana, sometimes in spite of our best efforts, we lose a member of the flock. Just make yourself at home here, feel free to ask questions, read articles and join in on the discussions.

Best wishes!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens .. Hard on the heart to loose them.. You have been given great advice to get you going.

 

[416bigbore]

Hello Dana and welcome to BYC, You found an Amazing Poultry Community to be a part of with many great knowledgeable members, who are more then willing to jump in and help you along your journey with any questions you may have.

So sorry for your loss.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska !

 

[swampfox440]

Welcome to BYC! Nice to meet you and thanks for joining .

 

[DobieLover]

Hello, Dana, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
You've done the right thing coming here to learn more about how to care for your flock.