The rescues that I have had have not lived long lives. I think the stress, the crowding, the lights to mess with their body clock, etc. all take a toll. We just recently lost our oldest rescue. She was about 4 1/2 years old.
There is stress for them in learning to be a chicken. Learning to deal with not being crowded, learning to eat real food, learning to walk on ground, to roost (many of mine never learn this skill), etc. (They DO learn, mind you! Even my debeaked girls have learned how to catch bugs and be real chickens!)
I have to ask you how you came to have a Roo from a production line?
Jean & the Happy Hens
On 06/08/13, LUCKEDRA@AOL.COM wrote:
As you all know, we picked up 8 hens and one roo that were "rescued" from a closed down producer. They were quarantined for 2 months before we got them and were checked out by a vet. Yesterday we found one in the coop in complete distress. Laying down, couldn't get up. No signs of problems prior. We had to end her misery. We have no idea how old they are. Do producing chickens die early? I understand they send them to slaughter at 1 to 2 years old. Maybe it is for a good reason.
Yesterday the heat zoomed up to over a 100. Chickens can free roam every day with the ability to come and go from the coop. The heat is expected to get even worse in the next few days.
We ensure they have fresh clean water every day. We clean the coop and spray it with a mixture of clorox and water once a week along with the recepticles. Is this enough or do we need to do something else? We lay down shavings on the floor. The coop is 10 X 15. We had 11 hens and one roo in the coop; now 10. They are only in there to eat and sleep at night.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks. Ginger
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