- May 30, 2010
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I am new to backyard chickens. Mine (there are 5) are about 9 months old barred rock mix, 5-7 pounds, great layers, friendly, roam free most of the day, come in at dusk to their hen house and coop area. About a week ago we noticed a broken egg or two. Then there was a slime on the eggs, as in egg white perhaps, but no broken shells. 4 days ago I noticed one of my hens has a huge bright red featherless bulge, about the size of a baseball right below the vent. She seems normal in every other way but I am very worried about the bulge. I can't find a vet to take me seriously. My daughters LOVE these birds. Please tell me what is going on with her and if there is anything I can do to help. They eat layer pellets but on Friday, at the suggestion of the kid at the feed store, I added oyster shells to their diet.