Lethargic hen and egg issues

[ChickenClaw03]

Hi,

One of my hens, a 1.5 year old Rhode Island Red has had odd behaviour particularly over the last two days.

About a month ago she started to lay wrinkled egg shells and I suspect she had Infectious Bronchitis (although there was no discharge from the beak). She has continued to lay these type of eggs for the rest of the month with some normal looking eggs in the mix.

Two days ago she was quite lethargic and she laid an egg with a soft and incomplete shell (she has full access to shell grit). She seemed sick after laying the egg so I took her to a local vet, however as it was a public holiday I couldn’t get to an avian vet. She’s been given some antibiotics that I give her twice a day, however I am worried that she needs more help.

She hasn’t laid an egg since two days ago and I’m worried about issues with her reproductive system as I used to have a hen that behaved similar who passed away due to water belly.

I’m hoping it’s not as serious as that because she is only young (my other hen was 3 years old). I will be taking her to an avian vet to be looked at as soon as they are open.

Her behaviour today has improved, but I think that may be because there wasn’t any sun meaning no production of eggs.

I know this is a more complex case but it would be great if anyone has any information or advice about her sickness and how I can help her.

 

[Quavo]

When she was sick she maybe had a lot of stress on her, wrinkled eggs are caused because of stress on hens.

 

[Quavo]

When she was sick she maybe had a lot of stress on her, wrinkled eggs are caused because of stress on hens.

Or, bronchitis

 

[ChickenClaw03]

Or, bronchitis

I believe that it was bronchitis, however none of my other hens laid wrinkled eggs or were lethargic. The amount of times that she laid wrinkled eggs would suggest illness instead of stress.

My hens have been a bit more stressed over the past month due to being chased by a dog and the passing of another hen.

 

[Quavo]

I believe that it was bronchitis, however none of my other hens laid wrinkled eggs or were lethargic. The amount of times that she laid wrinkled eggs would suggest illness instead of stress.

My hens have been a bit more stressed over the past month due to being chased by a dog and the passing of another hen.

Hm, ok. But it can be only in one chicken or multiple

 

[ChickenClaw03]

Hm, ok. But it can be only in one chicken or multiple

I thought that Bronchitis is very contagious

 

[Quavo]

I mean, it is, but maybe the chickens just don't Kay the wrinkled eggs like she does.

It's not immediately visible

 

[ChickenClaw03]

My hen will be off to the avian vet soon, but in the meantime I’ll be monitoring her closely.

 

[Quavo]

Just incase you should get your chickens a bronchitis vaccine

 

[ChickenClaw03]

Just incase you should get your chickens a bronchitis vaccine

I’ll ask if they can get one, that’s a good idea.