[campanula]

we have just come home after having our last three chickens culled (thank you, Tom Tomlinson, Jessie's Hens - a true hero) Of course, we did everything wrong. We got our chickens off a chap who had put out a heartfelt plea on gumtree and, as we had talked about hens for ages, it seemed like fate that led us to his door. To cut a long story short, he, and therefore, we, did not know how old the chooks were, nor had they been kept in the greatest condition. After one died a sadly lingering death (dispatched by us with great reluctance), we finally found Jessie's hens. Tom invited us to bring all the hens for a check up and what a turn up that was. One had a prolapse, one had mites and two had mange! Oh yeah, their ages varied by three years - youngest around  2, oldest well over 4!
We had got the chickens in February and now suspect that they had been ill for quite some time. Anyway, the lesson we have learned is to buy hens from a reputable dealer (not the internet) who is prepared to take the time out to help novices like us know what to look for and how to do a thorough health check. Yep, books are OK but nothing beats a face to face encounter with someone who knows what they are about.
Sure, we feel awful, but we have also been alarmed at the casual way in which chicken keeping is promoted - in three books, we could find no mention of humane killing, for example. Anyway, we are not totally discouraged and we know that as soon as the coup and run has been completely disinfected and scrubbed, we will be getting more hens and this time, we hope to be able to enjoy the pleasures of henkeeping without the horrible hopeless anxiety we have been feeling.  So hey, once again, many thanks, Tom.

[dizzylizzie]

Sorry about your girls, but didnt you notice any of these things as you have had them since Febuary?

[joyfull]

As you had these girls for 3 months these problems occured whilst they were in your care. Lice can happen at any time as can mites (never heard of mange in chickens) and both are treatable. Prolapse can sometimes be treated if dealt with quickly and they are prevented from laying.
I have around 40 and their ages range from 3 weeks to over 3 years and have no problems.
As for humane killing there are courses as well as some books do cover this.