- May 24, 2013
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We are new to keeping chickens - bought ours end of May this year (2013). We have 6 No. Bluebells.The last two days we have cooked six eggs and found two not smelling too good. One definitely not right the other doubtful. I am scrupulous at rotation and I also keep them in the fridge although I realise you don't buy eggs from the fridge in the supermarket. Although I often don't collect the eggs until late afternoon. Any ideas?
We do have trouble with feather plucking and eating of feathers. The first problem hen has been separated for some time although she can see the others inside and they are all allowed to free range together. When she was separated another took the lead at feather plucking. When we put the first bird back with the others there was a fight and the originator quickly took over. As she was quite aggressive she was immediately separated again. I don't intend to de-beak any of them but four are very naked on their nether regions and one has also been fully plucked badly around her tail and partially on top. All have got the very top coat of feathers missing thanks to the feather plucking yet all seem happier when together. All in all they seem content.
I don't think the advice of the breeder was good i.e. keeping them inside until they had laid. I would certainly not follow it a second time and would allow them into a run at the very least. I do not intend to buy from this source again.
Any help re the eggs would be greatly appreciated as we are now smelling every darn egg!
We do have trouble with feather plucking and eating of feathers. The first problem hen has been separated for some time although she can see the others inside and they are all allowed to free range together. When she was separated another took the lead at feather plucking. When we put the first bird back with the others there was a fight and the originator quickly took over. As she was quite aggressive she was immediately separated again. I don't intend to de-beak any of them but four are very naked on their nether regions and one has also been fully plucked badly around her tail and partially on top. All have got the very top coat of feathers missing thanks to the feather plucking yet all seem happier when together. All in all they seem content.
I don't think the advice of the breeder was good i.e. keeping them inside until they had laid. I would certainly not follow it a second time and would allow them into a run at the very least. I do not intend to buy from this source again.
Any help re the eggs would be greatly appreciated as we are now smelling every darn egg!