can you unstress your chickens?

[zavierchick]

We had our first "rubber shell" egg today. We had an absolutely insane hail/lightning/wind storm two nights ago (broke windows out of our house, ripped trees up, etc.) and I'm thinking it is stress? They seemed fine yesterday, and really, even after the storm, didn't seem freaked, but I can't imagine how it WOULDN'T have freaked them out some, it was one scary storm from what I heard (we were out of town for the night camping and came home to this disaster zone *sigh*) Also- she laid it out of the coop in the grass while free ranging (none of them have ever done that before.) Anything I can do to help them feel safer? Other thoughts? Thanks, ya'll!

 

[jjthink]

It could be stress but it could also be nutritional, genetic etc.
In case stress is a factor, it wouldn't hurt to give a drop or two of Rescue Remedy in their water for a couple of days.

What is her diet and age?
JJ

 

[Judy]

There's a good chance the two events are not related. Chickens lay odd eggs occasionally. If they eat mostly a layer ration and have oyster shell, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Brindlebtch]

I wouldn't worry about it either, but just in case you could play them some Mozart.

 

[zavierchick]

Mozart sounds nice! They have been getting a steady dose of classic rock the last two weeks because we have been working in the yard so much with the radio - maybe they are taking offense at too much Queen?

They are on layer feed, and have had rock hard eggs so far (in fact, it takes some effort to break some of them for breakfast...or maybe I'm just wimpy in the morning

) but I'm going to snag some oyster shell when I go pick up their new feeder this week just so they have it available.

Thanks again for the responses - I love this site - I don't post much but omg, I learn a ton just from lurking around *insert little creepy lurking chick*

 

[zavierchick]

Quote:
Like Bach Rescue Remedy? I wouldn't have thought of that - cool to know that homeo's will work with our chick-chicks!

 

[FrenchHen]

Quote:

She just wants some nice Bonnie Raitt. She gave you something to talk about.

 

[Quack Shack]

Jazz and a schedule might help them. You can set a clock by when they line up at the gate to free range and if I'm late getting out there, the roo crew is lined up on the fence calling me. We visit and they get to do what they like best. Makes for tasty eggs and predictable laying.

 

[momahenTN]

what is bach rescue remedy?

 

[jjthink]

Quote:
Like Bach Rescue Remedy? I wouldn't have thought of that - cool to know that homeo's will work with our chick-chicks!

Yes, exactly right - Bach's.

what is bach rescue remedy?

Can find this in health food stores and well equipped pharmacies. For reducing stress in humans and nonhumans. Can google Rescue Remedy for lots of good info...

JJ​