Chickens not laying, not eating, not coming out of coop

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I know ours started to get that way and for the 43 cent price of a bunch of cilantro at the grocery store some fresh chopped herbs brought her right back out of her funk...and ever since I have made it a point to bring her at least a handful of new tender grass or dandelion leaves I gather on the way out to her coop and we make a 'trade...egg for greens and we are both happy...and as said in my intro post, am getting materials to builds a 'chicken tractor...an old card table, some chicken wire, a rod for an axle and two old lawnmower wheels, and a few lengths of boards to frame the bottom legs and make the arms (think wheelbarrow style) and a hanging water bottle, will share a pic if it works! She will be safe from herself and the outside and still be a limited free range gal
 
Hi QueenMisha. Gracie, the red one, started with the weirdo behaviour about a week ago and Missy, the white one, was fine and normal but a little protective of her pal for most of that time. It's only since yesterday that both have been lounging around in the straw. That's why I asked was it possible they could be broody if neither of them are laying regularly or at all. I hear what you're saying about them having the broodiness bred out of them but having said that Gracie did actually get broody last year and she was the main offender for hiding the eggs in the hedge and then would sit in there on them for hours. She'd go right in deep so I couldn't see her when I looked so was obviously quite determined. When I would locate one clutch of hidden eggs (I found 11 one day!) I'd make that spot uncomfortable for her but she'd just go somewhere else. Missy tended to just jump on the bandwagon and would lay wherever the others were laying. So, they do have it in them to brood but I take your point that it would probably be unusual for the two to get broody together. I suppose I'll just have to brave the lack of enthusiasm for the pet carrier and get them into the vet. At least I'll know one way or t'other what's going on with them. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

FigwithBraids: Cilantro is coriander, yes? Not sure if that would be enough to tempt them back to sparkiness. They normally will go for any food but barely stirred when I brought food and water in to them earlier today. As QueenMisha says I think a trip to the vet and will have to take it from there.
 
I like to err on the side of caution, I think a vet visit is in order. If he has only good things to say, it should take a lot of the apprehension off. If that happens, I would suggest you sneak a couple fertile eggs under her.
 
G’Day from down under Vonnie1
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Welcome!

As you have already received some great advice, I will just wish you all the best.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to also pop in and say hello on your local thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you ‘Find your State’s thread.
 
So just for future reference if anybody else comes across this behaviour in one or more of their flock. After reading QueenMisha's reply I had to agree it was unlikely both girls were broody at the same time. Missy (the white one) was sort of up and about but Gracie was very dopey and hadn't eaten and wouldn't come out of the house at all at this stage for 3 days. Then when I went to let them out of the house next morning I notice bright yellow poop (like almost neon yellow) and thought that was a bit strange. When I googled not eating, lethargic, bright yellow poop I got directed to forty ten websites and forums talking about "Blackhead" (Histomoniasis) which to all intents and purposes is a sort of lung worm in chickens. The treatment is a drug called Metronidazole which seems to be unobtainable in the States or Europe. Anyway rang the vet, explained the sitch and they prescribed Parazole (similar de-worming drug) for both hens for 3 days to be repeated in a month's time and also to give oregano as this is a natural antibiotic. They wouldn't eat the oregano on their food so I made up some oregano infused oil and squirted that down their necks when I was giving the wormer. I also noticed Gracie, who was worst affected, seemed to have really cacky ears so I got some Betamox antibiotic for ear infections and started giving her 1.5mls twice a day. That was 3 days ago and she's perked up no end. She's not laying around all day. I've actually let them out of the coop and they're free ranging again around the garden. They both seem a lot happier (don't ask me how I can tell!) She's eating and drinking and is much more active. I also scrubbed out the henhouse and sprayed for mites, left it open all day to air out and have put clean straw in the nesting boxes. I'd sleep there myself at this stage! Anyway crisis seems to be over. I don't know which of the medications and treatments were most effective but I'm thinking the wormer had a big impact closely followed by the oregano and for Gracie the ear antibiotic. Thank you to everybody who replied and offered advice.
 
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