[Prod]

I am tottally new to keeping chickens  but having retired to the country and owning a small field that came with the house, we thought, why not?  Spent 6 mths researching things, and spent the equivelent of a third world country's debt, finally got the chickens from what was recommended as a good breeder near Brecon/Abergavenny. Whilst it was supposed to be a hobby I was expecting to have a few eggs as well.  It was a couple of weeks  before they settled in and a couple more before they were all laying.  First prob was a poorly eye, trip to the vet, £20, and no eggs from that one for a week, then one with a poorly bum, no vet fee but antibiotics, no eggs from that one for 10 days,  then sneezing and coughing  spread through flock, more antibiotics no eggs, then cockerel gets it, no crowing,cut neck, respitory probs and dark comb more antibiotics, now my bluebell (disease resitant breed)  has an infected eye this morning, fortunately enough anti biotic to inject her  but it's another trip to the vets on monday!!!  With all the ACV/Flubenvet purple spray etc etc   partner is saying maybe we should give up and just buy store eggs again.........  need some comfort folks!!! !!

[tosca100]

Give up? After all that?

Hopefully they'll settle down soon. Only had our's six weeks or so, but don't like to think of being without them (they have to put up with a residential area, small garden and two resident dogs) Don't get many eggs, but don't care. Maybe they will last longer if they don't lay too many now. :blink:

Hope things look up for you soon.

[splash101]

Nnooooo dont give up.

You do seem to have gone through the mill over the last few weeks. Hopefully now they are all sorted and on the road to recovery , as you have found out infections do spread quickly.

Before long you will have so many eggs you wont know what to do with them and your cockerel will be strutting his stuff.

I think most people have a few hurdles to overcome but you'll get there.

Chin up  

[GrannieAnnie]

Our chooks are for eggs only now, but in the past 5 years I have bred and raised chickens and turkeys here for selling on.  Only been to vet once with a chicken.  If they get an infection, I now usually know what I need for them, and if that doesn't work, hen gets culled.

Ours are not pets, but I still love to see the 20 layers we have (15 ISA browns and 5 Shaver Blacks) running around, and on a good day, 20 eggs.  

I couldn't pay supermarket prices.  If I ever give up the chooks completely, I will search around til I find someone who grows their own still.

I think you will regret it if you give up now.  Also, people are urged to spend more than is necessary on set ups.  My OH has built most of our henhouses and runs, and I've been lucky to be able to buy feeders and drinkers at cost, and we get our feed at a decent price too.

Current prices for feed at retail is terrible!

[symonep]

oh bless you, you sound like you have had a really rough time  
like the others have said, stick with it.
I love to sit outside and listen to their little contented noises and eggs are a bonus

[nerdle]

Last year had a wobble and nearly gave up - your are in good company on this site - I needed encouragement and got it - not probs since then.

The darkest hour is just before dawn....

[Prod]

Thanks for your support  ( I'm getting a lot of earache from my partner!!!)  but see my posting 'Feeling Better.........'   regards Paul

[ehs284]

We had lots of similar and very expensive problems when we started about 5 years ago, but little by little things have got better, easier and more rewarding. The chooks are really a part of the family now just as some people have pets. You'll get to know them and they'll get to know you. You'll recognise some by their "voices" and you'll be surprised how many respond to their names. Stick with it and enjoy.

[Fiona55]

I am new to chicken keeping - about 2 months.  I have 4 hens - 2 are broody.  I had to get eggs from a fellow chicken keeper as I ran out!  But I love them - would not get rid of them, despite the worry of leaving them with a chook sitter while I am on 3 weeks holiday.  Keep on chooking.

[Sassy]

You've had an unfortunate start. problems are the exception rather than the rule with keeping poultry. It always looks complicated and problem ridden when you come to a site like this which offers advice.

Don't give up, it is worth it. You'll be glad you persevered.

[Prod]

No I am not going to give up  I really like the chickens/cockerel, they all have names and different personalities and I can sit and watch them for ages...  I guess I was just feeling sorry for myself  and if if I DARE ask to spend more money on them at this stage it would be more than my lifes worth!!!   This morning BJ was crowing soundly  but not as loud and Veronicas eyes are much better.  So   Carry On rosey!!!!!

[Little red]

I started with 3 girls last july by mid october lost frirst 1 to a prolapse 2 weeks later lost 2nd girl to vent glee so got another 2 girls then had to put last orginal girl to sleep as she kept attacking other girls and myself drawing blood on me several times. 3 new girls added january by march i had featherpecking in april 2 had gone broody. Last week 1 girl started sneezing so treating for that
Just seems to be one thing after another but i wouldnt be without them