- Apr 1, 2010
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I have this hen named "Angel" who keeps braking soft shelled eggs inside her. This is maybe the 4th or 5th time that this has happened within this month, never happened before. The first time she broke an egg I injected Penicillin into her breast muscles for 5 days to ward off any infections (she had a lot of egg in her poo). That was about 2 weeks ago, I really don't want to inject in her muscle again because afraid of the bacteria building up a resistance to the penicillin. The last few days she has not been her usual self and lost her place in the pecking order. She won't even come up to her favorite treats anymore or if she does takes a few bites and wanders off. She is my favorite hen and even the thought of losing her is making me break into tears. Should I inject penicillin into her again and let it do it's wonders or let her fight it off herself and have her possibly die from this infection? But even if I give it to her she is still laying these soft shelled eggs and the cycle continues and I can't give her penicillin every time one breaks. She has access to oyster shell but never see her eating any so today I gave her two egg shells that I washed and then cooked in the microwave, which I then mixed in one egg which I scrambled. She ate most of it after forcing her to eat which is very unusual for her since she normally gobbles everything down and even steals food from other hens mouths while they eat.
What should I do? I want to stop the cause of this but I don't know how, I know the shell is made primarily of calcium carbonate, that is why I am feeding the shells to her but is there anything better to give? I gave her a fish oil capsule today, it is a good source of vitamin D which helps calcium absorb better but maybe cod liver oil is better? I not sure on how much cod liver oil to give though, any suggestions? I also give her organic ACV which also helps calcium absorb better. Last question, is there another antibiotic that I could give her because she currently has an infection now? Something given orally ( syringe not in the water) or injectable (IM) besides Penicillin so I can help stop bacteria resistance. Thanks so much in advance and will be awaiting advice and answers. And if you could respond asap because I need to do something fast.
What should I do? I want to stop the cause of this but I don't know how, I know the shell is made primarily of calcium carbonate, that is why I am feeding the shells to her but is there anything better to give? I gave her a fish oil capsule today, it is a good source of vitamin D which helps calcium absorb better but maybe cod liver oil is better? I not sure on how much cod liver oil to give though, any suggestions? I also give her organic ACV which also helps calcium absorb better. Last question, is there another antibiotic that I could give her because she currently has an infection now? Something given orally ( syringe not in the water) or injectable (IM) besides Penicillin so I can help stop bacteria resistance. Thanks so much in advance and will be awaiting advice and answers. And if you could respond asap because I need to do something fast.
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