egg bound?

[cathysue]

We have 7 males and 5 females. They are one year old this month. The females began laying eggs two months ago. They free range for approx. 4 hours daily with millet supplement. three weeks ago one female would not stand. I put her in a separate enclosure, she laid an egg then within two days was up and walking - she is doing well and back with her family. One week ago within 24 hours of each other, two more hens could not stand. Same process of separating them to a quite enclosure. They both laid two eggs but still cannot walk (five days later). They look bright and alert. They are eating and drinking. Did I read somewhere that they need more calcium? Any other recommendations to help my poor girls feel better.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Is it that they can not walk when they try, or do they choose not to walk and stay in the nest box. I ask this because I have had a few hens go broody recently. They stay in the nest box ready to sit on some eggs and some times even when I pick them up out of the nest box the chose just to sit there. they tend to puff up and make a make a different sound when they are touched. eventually the do get up and walk around take a quick drink and some food and go right back to the nest box. Hmm, if they are eating and drinking without getting up this may not be the explanation.

 

[PeepsCA]

Yes your Guinea Hens need supplemental calcium, or they have to pull it from their bodies. They should be offered a layer feed AND oyster shell free choice(ASAP), but especially thru the entire laying season (Spring thru Fall). I also provide a flake of fine stem leafy alfalfa hay in all my coops.

Millet is a treat, like candy. There's not much nutritional value in it.

 

[cathysue]

Thank you very much - One of my girls is up and running. The other is close behind! I did not know millet did not offer nutrional value - feel like a bad mom...... I am on it!