BahamaMama
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New Chickens - causing worryWe have kept chickens for approx 3 years and have had a complete refresh, all the old chickens went and we were chicken-free for about a month. The garden was very still and quiet so I have restocked
We have 3 new girls, 2 x arucana and 1 x Barbe d'Uccles (Bubba Duck), all three are very small chicks. I have been putting them out during the day in a run with access to grass/clover/bugs etc. and shelter and straw for this cool, wet and windy weather. I have been bringing them into the house in a pet carrier for the night as I think it is too cold for them and the ark is not ready. For the last 3 mornings I have found blood on the shavings in the morning, just a few drops but it looks fresh and red. There is no sign of any blood during the day and all poos look normal.
All three look very healthy, busy on the grass and eating and drinking well. The are easy to handle and I have checked their vent areas and all looks normal. I can see no sign of pecking, they all appear to get on well and there does not seem to be any bullying.
Any ideas where this blood might be coming from and how concerned should I be?
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Treacodactyl
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Are their claws all fine? One of our hens has shed a claw a couple of times and there was plenty of blood; it grew back fine. Also even a small cut in on their wattles or comb can produce a large amount of blood and it can be hard to find.
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BahamaMama
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They are all girls and still very tiny so no combs to speak of, but I will have a closer look at their toes. Thanks!
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bodger
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As long as they are looking healthy, then I wouldn't worry. You need to examine them really really closely because that blood is obviously coming from somewhere. Its going to be external rather than internal becaus e the blood appears so fresh.
You get blood in droppings with cocxy but that is not what you have described.
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BahamaMama
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Thanks for the replies - I am feeling more reassured and will watch them like a hawk (that might make them a little nervous  )
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