Backyard Fowl Keepers

You're already doing a lot right! Keep layering and turning the pile every few days to speed up decomposition. The dry straw may slow things down, so consider adding more “greens” like food scraps. As for the chickens in the garden, I fence off areas I'm actively growing in and let them roam ...

Treat for coccidiosis first since it's the most likely cause, but keep an eye on other symptoms. Does she have labored breathing, a swollen crop, or odd posture? If Corid doesn't work, you might need a different diagnosis.

I'd check with the vaccine manufacturer, but generally, spacing live vaccines by two weeks is recommended. Marek's first for better protection.

One thing to watch out for is stress on the rooster. If he's constantly trying to keep up with too many hens, he might lose weight or become exhausted.

Check for feather pecking and overbreeding. A hen saddle might help if a rooster is involved. Increase protein to help with regrowth.

It's great that you caught the humidity drop quickly and raised it again! I think the short period at 47% should be fine, especially since there was no pipping yet. I've read that fluctuations happen, but as long as the humidity is stable now, they should be okay.

Since you got them from a free-range farm, there's a good chance they are fertile. Make sure your incubator is running at the right temp and humidity before setting them.

About six months ago, I noticed a tiny bit of gunk stuck in my hens nostril. Shes always been a messy eater, so I didnt think much of it at first. But as time went on, it got worse. I was able to clear one side, but the other? No matter what I did, I just couldnt get it out. And now, things have ...

Have they been eating and drinking well since you got them? Dehydration or a diet change could be playing a role here.

It would be fun to hatch a few chicks from both roosters and see the results! If you keep records, you might be able to predict which traits get passed down most consistently over time.