The dazed look she exhibited struck an immediate cord with us. We’ve lost several hens to Marek’s, and this is a common symptom. When she was hatched, she received the Marek’s vaccination, but we’re wondering if it is not a 100% guarantee. Recently, she had a terrible molt. We’re curious if this stressed her body out so much that she was more vulnerable.
Now, we’ve only three hens and one rooster left. Something that is stressing both of us is the question of whether or not to get more hens. Neither of us grew up with any sort of farm animal, so we’re curious if this much loss is normal. In our three-year stint with chickens, we’ve had 13, and now we have 4. Is this much loss expected? Rocky, the rooster is a big guy, and I’m concerned three hens (one of them a Bantam) are not enough. Thoughts? Experience? Any help or advice is appreciated (except to cull the other birds; two are vaccinated, and two are just carriers).
For now…enjoy the biography I wrote 1.5 weeks ago for our wonderful pet-sitter, who wanted to know everything about all of the pets, including the pet birds.
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Lucy arrived in the same box as Rocky, the rooster, and Sadie, the hen. If you close your eyes and think of a baby chick, she looked exactly like the picture you most likely conjured up in your head. Fluffy, yellow, and peeping. Like this . . .
Lucy’s always been a bit standoffish, not into being held for long. When she was a pullet, she’d wonder away from her flock. She’s her own lady. Unfortunately for her, she is one of Rocky’s favorite ladies. For a while, she was losing feathers like mad, and we’re still not entirely certain if it was a molt, damage from Rocky’s spurs and beak, or a combination of the two. She looked pretty ragged. 
The Poquette Zoo and Kitchen 