Is my chook just old or sick!?

[BettyJaneRosa]

Hi,
Just after some help - my chicken Betty stopped laying before last winter. This spring she started again but soon began laying soft eggs. I increased calcium but that didn't help. Now she lays an egg with no shell and then a clump of shell afterwards. Is this what happens when chooks come to the end of laying? I think shes around 3 or 4 years old, i got her off a friend. Or is she sick? I've added a pic of the clump of shell coming after the shell less egg. Today she laid the egg in the middle of the garden instead of the coup and my other chooks ate it straight away!

 

[Ameraucana5]

You said that she was 3-4 years old? In that case, I believe she's just old. A hens laying prime only goes about halfway into their 2nd year. Shell-less eggs are quite common for aging hens.

 

[Ameraucana5]

And by the way, ...

 

[BettyJaneRosa]

Thanks! I was thinking she's just old but wanted to make sure she wasnt suffering or in pain or anything! She's been looking so much healthier since she's been laying less. Ahh betty, love my old chook!

 

[BettyJaneRosa]

...or if the clump of shell/calcium something has potential to gey stuck and blocked or anything?

 

[chickengeorgeto]

While your hen is (let us say) on the backside of 40 the things you mentioned are more likely related to diseases and not to age alone.

 

[BettyJaneRosa]

What type of diseases? Ive wormed them and keep them free of lice and mites (pestene and dust baths). Give them healthy range of food and feed and they free range all day. My two other chooks seem fine.

Any thoughts would be so appreciated!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @BettyJaneRosa Welcome To BYC

Betty may be starting to have some reproductive problems. As hens get older they can develop shell gland problems, internal laying or may not be able to process/absorb the nutrients they need to completely lay an intact hard shell egg (even if they have a good balanced diet with extra calcium available).

I'm sorry, but generally the best you can do is keep a watch on her. If she shows signs of distress and has difficulties passing her egg, then giving her some extra care during those times would be helpful. One of mine did this for a while - she would look unwell and I knew she was trying to pass an egg - I would give her extra vitamins (Poultry Nutri-Drench 1cc per 3lbs and crush a TUMS and sprinkle it over cooked egg). The vitamins are quick uptake and the TUMS give extra calcium fairly quickly to help with contractions. Usually within an hour or so she would pass the egg. Sometimes - like your girl, she would have yolk/whites dripping - this can cause irritation in the oviduct and possibly infection if it travels back up - nothing you can do about it. She has stopped this completely, so I just watch her for signs of decline - I'm sure she probably has had some eggs drop into the abdomen and has Peritonitis, but so far she is bright and happy within herself, eating, drinking and maintaining her weight. When she starts to decline, I will evaluate her and end her suffering if needed.

All that said - just keep a watch on your girl, enjoy her - look for signs of lethargy, crop not emptying overnight, swelling/bloat or fluid in the abdomen and give her supportive care when the time comes.

Here's an alternative treatment: https://hencam.com/henblog/2015/08/a-laying-glitch/

Probably more than you ever want to know and things that you can worry yourself to death over if not careful https://poultrykeeper.com/reproductive-system-problems/

 

[BettyJaneRosa]

Hi @BettyJaneRosa Welcome To BYC

Betty may be starting to have some reproductive problems. As hens get older they can develop shell gland problems, internal laying or may not be able to process/absorb the nutrients they need to completely lay an intact hard shell egg (even if they have a good balanced diet with extra calcium available).

I'm sorry, but generally the best you can do is keep a watch on her. If she shows signs of distress and has difficulties passing her egg, then giving her some extra care during those times would be helpful. One of mine did this for a while - she would look unwell and I knew she was trying to pass an egg - I would give her extra vitamins (Poultry Nutri-Drench 1cc per 3lbs and crush a TUMS and sprinkle it over cooked egg). The vitamins are quick uptake and the TUMS give extra calcium fairly quickly to help with contractions. Usually within an hour or so she would pass the egg. Sometimes - like your girl, she would have yolk/whites dripping - this can cause irritation in the oviduct and possibly infection if it travels back up - nothing you can do about it. She has stopped this completely, so I just watch her for signs of decline - I'm sure she probably has had some eggs drop into the abdomen and has Peritonitis, but so far she is bright and happy within herself, eating, drinking and maintaining her weight. When she starts to decline, I will evaluate her and end her suffering if needed.

All that said - just keep a watch on your girl, enjoy her - look for signs of lethargy, crop not emptying overnight, swelling/bloat or fluid in the abdomen and give her supportive care when the time comes.

Here's an alternative treatment: https://hencam.com/henblog/2015/08/a-laying-glitch/

Probably more than you ever want to know and things that you can worry yourself to death over if not careful https://poultrykeeper.com/reproductive-system-problems/

Thank you so much. She is happy and roams the yard keeping up with the other chooks so I'll just keep an eye on her.
Thank you all for your help!!