EE - won't leave the coop - laying, sick, or traumatized?

[staceyl]

I have a 21 week old EE. My other two (a barred rock and a buff orpington) just started laying within the past week. But I figured it was going to be a while for my EE - she is very small and has virtually no comb or wattles. Anyway yesterday while the other two hens and the rooster were free ranging she barely left the coop at all. The only time I've seen mine hang out in the coop other than sleeping was my barred rock right before she layed her first egg, so this is strange behavior. There doesn't seem to be anything obviously wrong with her, but I'm a bit of an amateur. The one thing that we have noticed is that she doesn't seem to fond of the roosters advances, so is she avoiding him? And if so, do I need to do something? thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[Wynette]

It does sound like there is something going on with your girl. Can you give a bit more info.? What feed/supplements (if any) are they on? Have they been wormed? Have you checked for parasites? Is she eating and drinking? Does her poop look normal?

 

[staceyl]

Okay, I'll do the best i can:

Feed - gosh, you are going to hate me, but its just whatever the feed store has (it is organic) basic layer pellets - I have no idea of the brand Beyond that they get our kitchen scraps (mostly veggies and bread) and they free range.

Have not been wormed. I haven't actually seen her eat and drink, but I will try and watch today. I'm gone much of the day so tough to tell. Her poop is runny, but it always has been. Not abnormal for her.

I haven't checked for parasites. Mine aren't fond of being handled so I haven't pushed it. What exactly should I look for?

Thanks!
Stacey

 

[staceyl]

OH, and the only supplement is some crushed oyster shell. I picked it up from an oyster farm and crushed it myself so I know there is nothing else in it.

 

[Wynette]

I think your feeding regimen is just fine. We all love to give goodies to our birds, but the fact is that commerical feeds are supposed to have all that a chiken needs right in them. Thus, you should be just fine there. And free-choice oyster shell is essential, so you've got the two basic things, as far as feed, covered.

Runny poop is not normal on a daily basis, which leads me to wonder if she has an intestinal issue going on, maybe has for some time, but it's now coming to a head? Check out this web page and let me know if she's "runnier" than these examples of "normal" poo.

http://www.chat.allotment.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=17568

I think it may be a good idea to separate her so you can watch to make sure she is eating and drinking. I use a plastic dog crate for this purpose, and I have cups that hang on the front of the cage so they don't spill food/water. You need to know if she's eating and drinking, and with her separated, you will also be able to check her poop easier. I think this should be your first step - once you've assessed whether or not she's eating and drinking, and you're able to observe her more closely, we can move on with more specific treatment if necessary!

 

[Happy Chooks]

My EE started laying at 21 weeks.

for you that she's just nesting.

 

[staceyl]

Thanks for the advice. I don't know why I didn't think of seperating her - duh. I guess i just get used to thinking of them as a group. This one has always been a bit of a loner though - more so since the rooster has started his amorous ways. I'll have to figure out a place to put her. And I sure hope its just that she is laying too, but she just doesn't look ready to me (not that I'm any expert)

 

[Happy Chooks]

She won't look the same as the others. The comb will be much smaller and no wattles. The comb will just get more color to it.

 

[Wynette]

I've had EEs that didn't start until 32 weeks old, and others who started at 20 weeks. They can sure fool you! If her comb/wattles (if she's got any) and face are turning bright red, she could be close to laying. I've got a few Silver Penciled Rocks, though, that have been BRIGHT RED for weeks now, and no eggs.

Check on www.craigslist.com for your local area - sometimes, you can find killer deals on dog crates and cages. Get creative...look around...sometimes you can find a way to separate if you look around on your property. Antisocial behavior is probably another sign of illness, IMO, as they are very social creatures. But, hopefully we're wrong, and she's just preparing to lay. If you can post a pic of her face, we can tell you if she appears to be ready!

 

[cmom]

Maybe you can try some vitamin with electrolyte supplements. I buy the packets that can be mixed in with their water. It goes a long ways. The packet I buy make somewhere between 125 to 150 gallons. I figured it out to be a ¼ teaspoon to 3 gallons of water. I don't give it to the birds all of the time. I do give it to them when it's really hot out or if their combs and wattles look more on the pink side or their poop is off some. It always seems to help them. I usually buy it at my local feed store. I have seen packets at TSC.