Abnormal eggs and dead hen

[hefalumpmom]

I think I am having a health crisis in my little flock. Four days ago, I found an egg that had a slight bulge on the side. I wasn't sure which hen laid it, but I didn't think much of it. Next day, same thing. Third day one of my hens (Wyandotte-1yr old) was dead in the coop. She hadn't acted any differently when I put her to bed the night before. There was only one egg in the coop at that point. It had a much more pronounced bulge. I cracked it and it looked normal. Fed it to the dogs. There were no signs of injury or blood on my girl. The other hens did not peck her at all. The next day, all four of my remaining girls had laid eggs. One had a chalky feel to the shell and was oddly colored--a dark oval on top, band of white, then brown. Another egg seemed to have some yolk on it. The third one had a wrinkly looking small end--I have gotten these before, but this one seemed more pronounced. The fourth, from my Easter Egger, was normal. All the hens look and act normal.

Any ideas what is happening? My vet doesn't treat chickens. I have called around and haven't had luck yet finding one in the area that does.

My girls do free range during the day, but I am not sure what they could have gotten in to that would do this. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[bargain]

oddly shaped eggs can result from stressed hen. These eggs could be longer than normal, or flatter on one end, shade diffeences, etc. They are fine for eating and of them selves do not indicate a disease.I'm not sure what age your other hens are...Often new layers may lay eggs of various colors, types, until they get used to the laying.

Are there any symptoms at all - respiratory, eyes, etc?

 

[hefalumpmom]

Thank you for your response. My remaining hens are about 9 mos old. They began laying eggs in January and February. I don't see any symptoms. Not walking upright like they have breathing issues. Their eyes look clear and alert. Not pale or lethargic at all. Maybe the stress of losing my other hen is throwing them for a loop?? She was the queen of the flock. Only one other chicken laid an egg yesterday. Maybe I should put something for stress in their water?? Some sort of chicken Prozac....

 

[bargain]

You know they could have been traumatized. Chickens are very social and we all know that they have their established pecking order. Poor dears!

 

[Haveandtohold]

So sorry for your loss. Hope you get to the root of your problem before you lose any more girls!

 

[CGinJCMO]

I see that you are in Missouri...so am I.

Here's a list of vets that have been shared that know their chickens:
(hopefully one of them are near you that you can consult)

--- Animal Medical Center, PC -----

129 pleasant prairie road
Marshfield, MO 65706
(417) 468-3484
Dr. Greer
This is who I use and really like him! They always think its funny when I bring in my Turkeys! (Jesse Rainey)

• 
  -----Noah's Ark Animal Hospital & Bird Clinic-----
  1003 N Fairview Rd, Columbia MO
  573-445-1388
  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Noahs-Ark-Animal-Hospital-Bird-
  ---Brownsberger veterinary clinic
  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brownsberger-Bill-DVM/162190990471744
  Bill Brownsberger DVM
  David Hoagland DVM
  
• 106 W 5th St, Appleton City, MO 64724
• (660) 476-2168

 

[hefalumpmom]

Thank you all for your advice and wishes. I came to the conclusion that the girls were probably roughhousing and she hit her head on the perch above where I found her. Freak accident. The girls seem to have settled back to a routine, although one still lays eggs that have this thickened ring. Her eggs aren't pretty, but there doesn't appear to be anything abnormal when cracked. I did pick up 4 new pullets--2 golden laced Wyandottes and 2 spotted Sussex. It will be a while before they are big enough to go out with their sisters as they are only about a month old.

Thank you again for your concerns.

 

[CGinJCMO]

Glad you haven't had any more problems.

Good luck on the new girls.

CG