The Poultry Keeper

henpecked

Hi all.

I'm new to this forum but very glad to be here. I was reading about the ill chicken and I felt I had to join and discuss my own situation. Having lived with chickens and poultry most of my childhood I thought I'd get a few Marans for the garden. I bought two hens and a cock from a farmer near Mauchline/ Ayrshire and I've had them around two weeks. I've been careful not to let them out at night because i live in a very remote area where there is foxes and other predators. Anyway my cock died today, I noticed he was not crowing and was keeping himself away from the other hens, he was still eating but had a watery stool. I am wondering if it was something I had done, I didn't get a chance to get him to the vet to find out what the problem was. I noticed this morning that he had labored noisy breathing.. Any advice, and does anyone know where I can get a replacement Maran cock, my hens are pinning for him.

Thanks

NannyP · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 5:55 pm Post subject:

Sorry to hear about your cockerel, it sounds rather sudden.
Had you noticed any breathing probs before this? How are the hens, apart from pining? How did he die, slowly or suddenly? What colour was his comb?
Loads of questions, sorry and no answers, but it's difficult to know what happened without more info.
I can't help you with where to replace him, and I know someone will be along with more info later.
Welcome to the forum, sorry it's under these circumstances Confused

Knobby · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:45 pm Post subject:

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

sorry, you had to join us with bad news, also sorry that I can't be of any help on either front. Hope someone comes along soon with a breeder for you otherwise try a google for one for your area.

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Sorry that you had a loss. Never easy. Usually not something you have done or could have prevented.

Hopefully you can find a replacement soon.

henpecked · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 9:07 am Post subject: some further info

Thanks everyone for all your concern. I really liked that cockerel i had even named him Jeffrey!!
Ah well life goes on. In answer to your questions:-
I had noticed him being on his own three days before he died, not crowing (but still eating). His comb was a little paler and the other hens seem as fit as a fiddle.

I know he was reared in a shed and I was probably the first one to show him day light.. (To much of a good thing do you think?) He died within checking him in the morning. He felt really thin and under weight. Something I had noticed when I got him. I thought I could just feed him up...

Anyway I don't want to go back to the farmer I bought him from because he was quite rood to be in the first place. I quote "Do you know how many hens I sell from here, and your only wanting 3" "Your lucky you caught me in as I'm very busy at the moment" Just to state I had made an appointment with this man, which he agreed on and I was there bang on time. Just a little rant.. no names mentioned.

I would really like to meet some small time poultry breeders that are more friendly. There doesn't seem to be any in the local directory or anything. Edinburgh seems to be sparse in terms of chickens. Also the price of coupes are extreme. I ended up building a rather strange looking coupe myself. (saved a packet)

Regards

NannyP · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 9:23 am Post subject:

Sounds like you will want to avoid him in future and I hope the hens are responding well to your love and care. It sounds like the cockerel, as you say, was already ailing.
Have you looked in Practical Poultry magazine, they have a directory in the back pages of all breeders.? <aybe you'll find some near you in there Confused

thewinkingtiger · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 936 Location: East Yorkshire, UK

So sorry to hear your start to keeping chickens has been a hard one like mine. But like everyone said on here to me - it should only get better and think of it is a steep learning curve.

Practical poultry or smallholding magazine have classifieds of poultry keepers. I'll take a look and send you a message if I can see any in your area. Obviously I won't be able give any recommendations though - so use good judgement if you go to see any!!

Best Wishes
Debs

henpecked · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 4:09 pm Post subject: Marans.. Huh!!

Tried the small holders mag today. Again no luck, all to far away or "don't have Maran cockerels" ..or they are unable to find any they can catch" Scoured over the magazine section in WHSmiths no poultry mags at all.. It's just not my day, and my hens are STILL pinning..
HELP!

thewinkingtiger · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 936 Location: East Yorkshire, UK

Hi Wendy

What about Cumbria? Too far?

Debs

henpecked · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 5:28 pm Post subject:

yup bit to far..

However, I'm thinking of heading to North Wales on business next week.. Any idea if there is anyone there..

Cheers

Wend

Aussie Chick · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 5:30 pm Post subject:

I recently gave my Maran cock back in exchange for a hen, I´m in Buckinghamshire though so a big drive. I can see if she still has him if you want.

henpecked · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 6:23 pm Post subject:

Again, probably a bit to far away. Thanks for the offer though.. Will keep hunting.

thewinkingtiger · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 936 Location: East Yorkshire, UK

There's some marans on the welsh / cheshire border if that's any good? And Powys / Shropshire area