Dry Vent with Lithargic Behavior

[Waneta]

My normally very active 10 month old Ancona showed signs of something wrong within the last few days. She hangs around the coop and is not herself. She laid a thin shelled egg the other night while sitting on the roost. This morning she was still on the roost at 9:00. On close examination I see she has a dry vent. Any ideas what is going on and what can I do? I do my own treating instead of using a vet. Thank you, in advance for any input.

 

[Kiki]

Sounds like she is having some egg laying issues.
What do you feed your flock?

 

[Waneta]

I just switched about 6 weeks ago to a non-GMO pullet developer with no soy, 18%. I was feeding Purina's Omega 3 Layer Feed and fermenting enough for my pullets, who are now 10 months old, to finish off in about 10 minutes. This new feed has both probiotics and prebiotic already in it. I keep the dry mash in their feeder 24/7 and feed about a pound as a gruel. I do not give a lot of scratch and minimal vegetable scraps.

 

[Waneta]

I just sold off my two roosters because my hens are showing signs of rooster abuse, with loss of feathers on the top of heads and backs just above the tail.

 

[Kiki]

I just switched about 6 weeks ago to a non-GMO pullet developer with no soy, 18%. I was feeding Purina's Omega 3 Layer Feed and fermenting enough for my pullets, who are now 10 months old, to finish off in about 10 minutes. This new feed has both probiotics and prebiotic already in it. I keep the dry mash in their feeder 24/7 and feed about a pound as a gruel. I do not give a lot of scratch and minimal vegetable scraps.

What is the brand name of this new feed you use?

I just did a random internet search with these exact words "
non-GMO pullet developer with no soy, 18%."
Which brought me to this website:
http://coyotecreekfarms.org/mill/feed-products/scratch/
WHICH CLEARLY STATES this:

Feeding Directions: This is NOT a complete and balanced ration for free range laying chickens. Provide plenty of feeder space. Do not feed moldy or insect infested feed. Provide plenty of fresh water. Store in a cool and dry place.

 

[Kiki]

I just sold off my two roosters because my hens are showing signs of rooster abuse, with loss of feathers on the top of heads and backs just above the tail.

Your feed might be the problem if it is anything like the feed in the link I just provided.

 

[Waneta]

What is the brand name of this new feed you use?

I just did a random internet search with these exact words "
non-GMO pullet developer with no soy, 18%."
Which brought me to this website:
http://coyotecreekfarms.org/mill/feed-products/scratch/
WHICH CLEARLY STATES this:

Feeding Directions: This is NOT a complete and balanced ration for free range laying chickens. Provide plenty of feeder space. Do not feed moldy or insect infested feed. Provide plenty of fresh water. Store in a cool and dry place.

The feed I use is manufactured by Des Moines Feed and Seed and came highly recommended by an employee who feeds it to her flock. The label reads Des Moines All Natural 18% Pullet Developer. I am also feeding some Sunflower seed hearts also on place of any scratch. This hen is the only one with these symptoms. From what I read I am thinking egg bound.

 

[Waneta]

I am providing oyster shell as the pullet developer does not have adequate calcium.

 

[Kiki]

Have you read this yet:
Egg Binding: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

 

[Kiki]

Is this your feed?
https://www.desmoinesfeed.com/products/poultry/feed/pullet-developer-18-no-soy/