- Oct 24, 2012
- 2
- 0
- 7
Hi all,
Recently bought a couple of pullets for our flat. We haven't had prior experience with chickens, but we are pretty sensible and they have been relatively trouble free until now. Both of the hens have been laying very well for a couple of months. However, today and one day last week one of the hens has become noticeably sick. Symptoms include ignoring food, lethargy, lacking the urge to move when I walk close by, puffiness and droopy tail. I gave her crop a feel, but I don't really know what I should be looking for - It didn't seem noticeably squishy. Both times this has happened she was fine all morning and afternoon, and the sickness seemed to come on early evening. Also, the last time this happened she layed her egg on the lawn in the evening without a completely formed shell. She was beck to her normal self the next morning.
They eat a lot of grass - should we attempt to limit this? They also eat a lot of fruit scraps, could the acidity from these be contributing to potential problems?
Second problem is a funny one. The same hen will start squawking really loudly at about 7 am, while the other one is laying her egg, almost daily. Only other time she makes that noise is if there is a cat around. Would be interested to know any theories as to why on earth she does this.
Cheers.
Recently bought a couple of pullets for our flat. We haven't had prior experience with chickens, but we are pretty sensible and they have been relatively trouble free until now. Both of the hens have been laying very well for a couple of months. However, today and one day last week one of the hens has become noticeably sick. Symptoms include ignoring food, lethargy, lacking the urge to move when I walk close by, puffiness and droopy tail. I gave her crop a feel, but I don't really know what I should be looking for - It didn't seem noticeably squishy. Both times this has happened she was fine all morning and afternoon, and the sickness seemed to come on early evening. Also, the last time this happened she layed her egg on the lawn in the evening without a completely formed shell. She was beck to her normal self the next morning.
They eat a lot of grass - should we attempt to limit this? They also eat a lot of fruit scraps, could the acidity from these be contributing to potential problems?
Second problem is a funny one. The same hen will start squawking really loudly at about 7 am, while the other one is laying her egg, almost daily. Only other time she makes that noise is if there is a cat around. Would be interested to know any theories as to why on earth she does this.
Cheers.
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