Peace Love Hens
Chirping
Hi!
I really need some advice on how to handle this situation. I have a two-year-old RIR hen, named Rubi, who was a very proficient layer. Last year, she was our best layer and we could expect about six to seven eggs a week from her. But this year, all of that changed. She has only laid a total of six eggs this year, two of which have had shells that are "balloon-like" and she recently got much heavier. Her abdominal area has swelled, a symptom that even my worst layer does not have. She has tried to lay each day with no success. Today she was using her wings to move around the nest, which concerned me a bit.
I have only been raising chickens for two years, so I'm no expert. I am hoping that somebody may have some suggestions? Rubi has plenty of protein, mealworms, sardines, bugs and grubs as well as fresh greens every day and regular layer feed. We recently gave our chickens a calcium overload, which they all ate with great gusto. It consisted of a mash of pumpkin puree, mealworms and eggshells and she did not lay. Everyone else did, however. I am planning to take her to the vet, but I'd like to know what I can do for her and some info on what might be ailing her.
I really need some advice on how to handle this situation. I have a two-year-old RIR hen, named Rubi, who was a very proficient layer. Last year, she was our best layer and we could expect about six to seven eggs a week from her. But this year, all of that changed. She has only laid a total of six eggs this year, two of which have had shells that are "balloon-like" and she recently got much heavier. Her abdominal area has swelled, a symptom that even my worst layer does not have. She has tried to lay each day with no success. Today she was using her wings to move around the nest, which concerned me a bit.
I have only been raising chickens for two years, so I'm no expert. I am hoping that somebody may have some suggestions? Rubi has plenty of protein, mealworms, sardines, bugs and grubs as well as fresh greens every day and regular layer feed. We recently gave our chickens a calcium overload, which they all ate with great gusto. It consisted of a mash of pumpkin puree, mealworms and eggshells and she did not lay. Everyone else did, however. I am planning to take her to the vet, but I'd like to know what I can do for her and some info on what might be ailing her.
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