Last on the pecking order

[LittleMissCountry]

I’ve never checked crops, my girls don’t like to be picked up but I guess I’ll just have to start lol I wouldn’t know what I was feeling for though?

I didn't have any idea at first either. Lol. I watched a youtube video. Once you figure out where the crop is, it is fairly easy. If you are seeing her eat and drink, though, she is probably fine.

 

[Amz87]

I do all exams off the roost at night well after dark wearing a headlight....
...much easier to 'catch' them then!

I’ll give that a try thanks so much for your help.

 

[Amz87]

I didn't have any idea at first either. Lol. I watched a youtube video. Once you figure out where the crop is, it is fairly easy. If you are seeing her eat and drink, though, she is probably fine.

Thank you! I’m so glad for this forum, I feel so clueless sometimes.

 

[LittleMissCountry]

Thank you! I’m so glad for this forum, I feel so clueless sometimes.

I feel the same way! I have learned so much on here.

 

[Amz87]

Aww. Well maybe post pics... they always can help. I would make sure that she is getting enough food/water! Some chickens just take longer to lay!

I got some pics of the girls this is Nigel, the hen in question.

 

[Amz87]

All 4 together

 

[Amz87]

I'm guessing the other barnie is also laying.
Might be time for a butt check:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Ok so now I a bit worried I think my two Plymouth’s have scaly leg mites? Can you tell from these pics? I tried to get closer to her for a better pic but she ran off. (This is Nigel)

 

[aart]

Ok so now I a bit worried I think my two Plymouth’s have scaly leg mites? Can you tell from these pics?

The one on the left definitely does, one on right may have the beginnings so treat her too.
Just slather on some vaseline or bag balm to suffocate the mites, wiping up the foot and leg to get it under the raised scales. Try to wipe the excess off. It's kinda messy, it will get on her belly and breast feathers and collect dirt but will wear off in time.
Do that once a week for 2-3 weeks, then wait....you might see some improvement soon, but it can take weeks for the scales to fully regenerate.
There are other treatments, but that's the easiest and it's effective.

 

[Amz87]

The one on the left definitely does, one on right may have the beginnings so treat her too.
Just slather on some vaseline or bag balm to suffocate the mites, wiping up the foot and leg to get it under the raised scales. Try to wipe the excess off. It's kinda messy, it will get on her belly and breast feathers and collect dirt but will wear off in time.
Do that once a week for 2-3 weeks, then wait....you might see some improvement soon, but it can take weeks for the scales to fully regenerate.
There are other treatments, but that's the easiest and it's effective.

Thank you, this is the other one as well. What do I need to do to kill them in their coop as well is there a powder or something I need to put in there too?

 

[aart]

View attachment 1474967
Thank you, this is the other one as well. What do I need to do to kill them in their coop as well is there a powder or something I need to put in there too?

Nope, scaly leg mites mostly live on the bird, they are fairly slow growing.
Would be good to dust your nest bedding with some permethrin tho.

...and have you checked them over real well for other mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).