Kellers86
In the Brooder
- Jul 18, 2017
- 8
- 9
- 19
Hi there, this is my first time posting, but I've used lots of advice from the forums so far - so firstly, thank you for that!
So, we got our first chickens on 9th June aged 37 weeks - 2 Brahmas and 2 Buff Orps. At the time we got them, 1 of the Brahmas was laying, and 1 of the BOs was laying - June Carter-Cash (excuse the name). It's been a bit dramatic since then!
June was laying really lovely eggs throughout the first week, until 17th June. We then had a really hot weekend, so when she didn't lay for a couple of days, I thought it must be to do with the heat. She also came with a lice infestation (all treated now), and was regrowing a few feathers. So I also thought her protein reserves were being used for that!
Not long after, we noticed that June and Elvis (our other Brahma who wasn't yet laying) were snicking and sneezing, so we took them to the vet and they've been on antibiotics since. The sneezing is certainly a lot better - however, hasn't completely gone yet.
During that time, Elvis has started laying - so they both apparently have the same mild infection, but Elvis is laying and June isn't (even though we know she can!). Her feathers are now nicely grown back on her bottom too, so she appears to be done with that - and it's no longer sweltering hot here.
The other thing is that she goes into the nest box nearly every day, sits in the nest just like she's laying (no straining or panting), and sings the egg song afterward - but no egg!
Otherwise, she's eating and drinking fine, feels in good condition, is perky, friendly and up to her usual chicken habits! Any advice? She's on the same diet as all the others (layer pellets and everything she picks up while free ranging). She also has ACV in her water once a month for a week at a time.
My worry is that she's sick, or that she'll never lay again! I'd never get rid of her, but I feel sorry for her that she's in the box every day with nothing to show for it! Thanks in advance!
So, we got our first chickens on 9th June aged 37 weeks - 2 Brahmas and 2 Buff Orps. At the time we got them, 1 of the Brahmas was laying, and 1 of the BOs was laying - June Carter-Cash (excuse the name). It's been a bit dramatic since then!
June was laying really lovely eggs throughout the first week, until 17th June. We then had a really hot weekend, so when she didn't lay for a couple of days, I thought it must be to do with the heat. She also came with a lice infestation (all treated now), and was regrowing a few feathers. So I also thought her protein reserves were being used for that!
Not long after, we noticed that June and Elvis (our other Brahma who wasn't yet laying) were snicking and sneezing, so we took them to the vet and they've been on antibiotics since. The sneezing is certainly a lot better - however, hasn't completely gone yet.
During that time, Elvis has started laying - so they both apparently have the same mild infection, but Elvis is laying and June isn't (even though we know she can!). Her feathers are now nicely grown back on her bottom too, so she appears to be done with that - and it's no longer sweltering hot here.
The other thing is that she goes into the nest box nearly every day, sits in the nest just like she's laying (no straining or panting), and sings the egg song afterward - but no egg!
Otherwise, she's eating and drinking fine, feels in good condition, is perky, friendly and up to her usual chicken habits! Any advice? She's on the same diet as all the others (layer pellets and everything she picks up while free ranging). She also has ACV in her water once a month for a week at a time.
My worry is that she's sick, or that she'll never lay again! I'd never get rid of her, but I feel sorry for her that she's in the box every day with nothing to show for it! Thanks in advance!
] I would continue to keep an eye on her. Do you handle her to check her general condition[weight]. Check for a full crop at night and and empty crop first thing in the morning, etc. There is tons of good info in the article section too!
