Hi, looking for some insight and outside assistance. I have three hens that just don't seem to be quite right.
1) Black sex-link 2.5yrs, Rhode Island Red - 1.5 yrs, Barred Rock - 1yr.
2) They have probably been off for about 6 weeks. They aren't laying well, and look generally scruffy. In addition, two of them have bald crops (sex-link and RIR), and the sex link has been laying paper shell eggs periodically, probably about every other one. She also seems to be pretty bald on her belly. The exposed skin is flaky and red.
5) they have been eating normally - layer pellet, scratch and foraging around the yard
6) poop seems generally normal. the barred rock's has been watery at times.
7) chicks in a separate pen had lice, so I treated everyone with diatomaceous earth, even though I saw no lice on the big hens, I thought that must be it. No further signs of lice on chicks but no improvement. I thought it might be a crop issue, such as impaction, but it has been going on for a while, they are eating and pooping, and the crops aren't hard.
I realize that this is a grab bag of miscellaneous issues, but any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
1) Black sex-link 2.5yrs, Rhode Island Red - 1.5 yrs, Barred Rock - 1yr.
2) They have probably been off for about 6 weeks. They aren't laying well, and look generally scruffy. In addition, two of them have bald crops (sex-link and RIR), and the sex link has been laying paper shell eggs periodically, probably about every other one. She also seems to be pretty bald on her belly. The exposed skin is flaky and red.
5) they have been eating normally - layer pellet, scratch and foraging around the yard
6) poop seems generally normal. the barred rock's has been watery at times.
7) chicks in a separate pen had lice, so I treated everyone with diatomaceous earth, even though I saw no lice on the big hens, I thought that must be it. No further signs of lice on chicks but no improvement. I thought it might be a crop issue, such as impaction, but it has been going on for a while, they are eating and pooping, and the crops aren't hard.
I realize that this is a grab bag of miscellaneous issues, but any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
