Hen looks like an owl

[Dr Mango]

Also I did have a couple shell less eggs in the last couple weeks. Is that a factor? One of the eggs had a tube still attached to it, without a shell also.

 

[Eggcessive]

Also I did have a couple shell less eggs in the last couple weeks.  Is that a factor?  One of the eggs had a tube still attached to it, without a shell also.

Yes a lot of chickens that develop EYP have a history of thin shelled eggs, or eggs that break inside which is probably what you saw in the egg membrane attached to the egg. Most chickens with EYP or internal laying develop E.coli or a similar infection. You might try making sure that they receive crushed oyster shell or egg shells to eat free feed.

 

[ten chicks]

Have you ruled out egg binding? Is abdomen squishy? E-coli infections can be spread by feces,water,dust. Some antibiotics used to treat e-coli infections are baytril(enrofloxacin),sulfa drugs and tetracycline,but there is growing resistance to tetracycline and i believe you mentioned that it was tried and no improvement. You may also want to look into draining abdomen.

 

[ten chicks]

Many factors can contribute to peritonitis such as pecking of vent by other birds creating infections(e.coli) up the oviduct causing peritonitis,prolapse can also result in infections and there is some question as to whether hormones are playing a more important role than previous thought b/c higher estrogen levels may make birds more susceptible to infections.

 

[Dr Mango]

I am thinking that the fact that they are starting to go into the fall molt, may be a factor. Hormones would seem to be shifting a lot then. I am planning to butcher them in the next week or two. Just need them to stay healthy until then.

I have about 75 young pullets just starting to lay. These gals have been very faithful layers for the last couple years. We will miss them as they were our first birds and they have taught us a lot. I guess they are not done teaching us either.