green fecal matter-no laying

[otto]

I've got a 1 yr old brahama that has been a pretty inconsistent layer. Lately though, I've noticed a bright green, runny reces in the area she sleeps at night, and she has not layed in like 1-2 weeks. Like I said, she's been pretty inconsistent in laying, and her overall behavior and appetite seems normal. Egg bound? I've read brief instructions on how to "examine" for this sort of problem. Should I "irrigate" with a retail saline, that's what I've read.
Her eggs are usually the smallest but the prettiest too.

 

[Wynette]

Hi, Otto!

Is there any chance your hen could have gotten into moldy feed, or is there any feed out in her pen that has gotten wet recently?

 

[otto]

I don't think so. Could be she may have gotten ahold of a food scrap that was moldy, but for sure not moldy feed, and I keep their run pretty clean, and put most food scraps into a bowl for them to eat.

 

[Wynette]

What are you feeding? You're sure she's eating?

Weird poo once in awhile is most likely nothing to worry about. And, they all take breaks from laying now and then. If she's eating, drinking, and is alert/active otherwise, just keep a close eye on her.

 

[otto]

Mostly raw or cooked veggies. I see her eat out of the scrap container. our garden is nearing its end, she may have gotten a tomato with a little rot, but that would have been by accident.

Were pretty strict on what goes in the scrap for them, plus the whole family are vegetarians.

 

[Wynette]

OH! You're not feeding layer feed? She really does need that...it's got everything she'll need, nutrient wise. Veggies are awesome treats and are good for them, but they don't have the complete nutrients they need. I'd strongly encourage you to get some layer feed to offer free choice, as well as oyster shell to offer free choice. The odd poo may be due to lack of vitamins/minerals.

Good luck; keep us posted!

 

[otto]

Thought you meant in addition to the layer feed. Sure, I keep a feeder inside the hen house, and I do add oyster shell.

 

[Wynette]

Oh, okay. Whew! You scared me there!

 

[otto]

I think I'm seeing lentils in the poo. We fed them cooked lentils a week ago. It's the first and last time for the lentils.

 

[Wynette]

Interesting. Are you feeding free-choice grit?