Hi everyone - I have a hen with laying issues

[5 spoiled hens]

I have a Black Austrolorp that seems to have a really hard time laying her eggs. She started laying October 11th @ 6 1/2 months old. It seems to me that it is very uncomfortable for her and the shell is really dry and scratchy and spotty when she finally gets it out - this can take up to several hours. She runs, walks, yells, jumps and paces around the yard being very loud all the while walking pigeon toed and acting like she has a corncob stuck (you know where). Then she stops walking and fluffs her feathers out and out pops the egg. Sometimes breaking the egg if she is on the cement or rocks.

I really hate to see her in this much pain, it's a good thing she only lays every other day. My question is can a chicken be lacking lubrication? Is there something I can feed her to help her with the lubrication?
Thank in advance for any help!

 

[mullers3acers]

 

[hen-thusiast]

and

from UT! You might want to try posting that the chicken behavior and egg laying section. Is she getting enough water? Does she have access to oyster shell?

For a short-term solution you might want to try some bread soaked in olive oil.... but I'm no expert and it also sounds like you need a longer term solution. Like I said above, try the other section. Someone with more experience than me will help you out!

 

[schellie69]

I am not sure what are you feeding your chickens now, I am sorry your chicken is having trouble has she always had trouble is it getting worse, I feed mine, a layers feed, with some scratch thrown in for a treat and they free range the back yard a couple of times a day. I also give them treats, and grind up eggs shells mixed with some kind of treat just to boost calcium, I wish I could tell you more, maybe someone who has more exprencie on here can tell you something I would also post this in Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying fourm you might get a quicker response. hope you figure it out.

 

[Imp]

from Washingtoon

Imp

 

[5 spoiled hens]

Thank you - I feed them organic layer pellets and they get organic spinach and cracked corn for treats. I give them a small amount of oyster shells once a week and they have a container of grit availaable all the time. I clean and fill their watering container daily. The problem is the same and not getting better or worse. That is why I was thinking she might be lacking lubricant. I did post my question in the other forum as you suggested. Thanks agian!

 

[schellie69]

maybe try a layer feed with more calcium or add, more oyster shell, I would worry that she would get egg bound, I would see if she needs more calcium my thought I am also a newbie but that is what i hear a lot making sure they have protein and calcium.

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! Glad you joined us! You should receive more answers from the egg laying,behavior section now. Best of luck, hope you find help for your girl!

 

[M To The Maxx]

 

[English Chick]

Hope you found your answers in the other sections of this onderful site.....