Lethargy, Rubbery-eggs

[Woodys Chickins]

5 Hens (Delaware;1, RIRed;2, Ameracauna;2). All age 18mos.

One of the Reds is becoming lethargic and laying malformed eggs (rubbery, yoke intact, watery). The other 4 hens are not having issues. The reds are the most docile of the 5 hens and I can easily pick them up. Two days ago I picked up the 'sick' one and sat her on my lap--she went to sleep (never does that). When I set her down after 5 min nap, she hung around at my feet, a few minutes then squatted and laid a cracked rubbery shell egg right in front of me (never happened before; she always goes to the nest). Today, I noticed what looked like yellow egg-yolk smears in several places on our back porch area. It wasn't fresh so I assume it wasn't from today. I've looked into "lash egg" but based on what I've read, I'm inclined to think NOT IT. I've also checked "down there" for a prolapse--everything looks fine.

EVERYTHING RECENTLY: Here's all the recent things I can think of.

• Recent "medicines": Mid-January I gave them all 3 days of VERM-X in their water as a preventative. They didn't show any signs of poor health, but I was just doing a preventative treatment.
• Today, I picked up the sick one and managed to injected some CORID-water-mixture into her mouth (2ml). She's isolating herself from the other 4.
• MEDICINE CABINET: CORID, Ivermecx, SAFEGARD (Fenbendazole), ACV
• Delaware and Ameracauna recently completed their first molt (FINISHED early December). They didn't go naked, just shed feathers gradually then grew new set. These 3 stopped laying completely for almost 2months.
• The two Reds started their molt "later" than the other 3. Started sometime early December. They have not gone naked, just look like their feathers are thinning a bit.
• Prior to the molt, the two reds were my consistent layers -- 1 egg each daily. The "other" red (not sick) is laying maybe every other day.
• SOUTH TEXAS: We just finished our 1st two cold spells of the winter; snowed last week; temps avg 17 @ night, 30 during the day. Their coop is "heated" with one small 'radiating panel' and one 75w incandescent light bulb (not a heat-lamp). Their coop stayed 30-40 degrees thru the nights. Weather now is +50.
• During the cold weeks, I increased their feed of cracked corn (in moderation).
• Normal feed is Kalmbach Henhouse Reserved. Full access to the feed whenever they want (feeder)
• Occasional "treats" (not daily...) (head of cabbage to peck at, shredded carrots, blue-berries, scrambled eggs)
• Water: multiple water containers (little red cups; 5gallon 'ring'), plus a heated water bowl for when the temp dropped below 32degrees.
• Full access to oyster shells
• Living conditions
  • Coop: (6ftx8ft wooden shed); floor is 3+inches of hemp; no drafts; good ventalation
  • Run: Covered wire-mesh 'hut'; 10ft x 13ft. Floor covered with pineshavings; sides and roof are protected from rain/wind exposure.
  • "Outside" enclosure: 20ft x 20ft fenced area
  • Free-range (2acres) for few hours daily

Looking for any thoughts or recommendations.
(NOTE: I'm not taking her to the Vet. Although I consider them pets...it's a chicken.)

 

[BGcoop]

Some people say to give half a tums tab to fix the shell issues, I’ve never had the need so I’ve never done it, plus it sounds like your sickly hen may have other issues as well. I hope someone with more insight than me has ideas for you

 

[Woodys Chickins]

Some people say to give half a tums tab to fix the shell issues, I’ve never had the need so I’ve never done it, plus it sounds like your sickly hen may have other issues as well. I hope someone with more insight than me has ideas for you

Thanks. d

 

[Bawkbok]

You can give her a Calcium Citrate with D3. One supplement a day for 5-7 days. You can get this vitamin anywhere, Wal-mart, Walgreens, grocery stores maybe. It's a large pill but they can swallow it no problem. This may help with the soft egg shells. Wishing you the best of luck. Hopefully others can offer more advice.

 

[Woodys Chickins]

How do you get a chicken to take a pill ? (serious question)

Thanks for the suggestion

 

[Bawkbok]

There are two ways I do it depending the the bird:

1) holding the bird or having someone else hold it, gently pull down on the wattles, the mouth will open, pop the pill in quickly and let go of the wattles. They immediately swallow it. This process should take about 1-2 seconds.

2) again, holding the bird or having a helper, open the beak, separate it with your fingers. I use my thumb on one side while gently separating the beak with my pointer finger on the other side of the mouth and when it opens, pop the pill in and let go of the beak.

It's important to keep their head level, not pulled back like looking at the ceiling if that makes sense. I always watch for a minute after pilling to ensure they swallowed it properly and act normally.

 

[Kiki]

• During the cold weeks, I increased their feed of cracked corn (in moderation).
• Normal feed is Kalmbach Henhouse Reserved. Full access to the feed whenever they want (feeder)

I would never feed cracked corn to my flock.
Is this Kalmbach feed a crumble or pelleted or a whole grain type feed?

 

[Woodys Chickins]

found it.... extract from 2010 post:

"pill ... crushed and daubed up with torn open grapes..."

My chikins luv grapes! Great idea. --D

 

[Woodys Chickins]

• During the cold weeks, I increased their feed of cracked corn (in moderation).
• Normal feed is Kalmbach Henhouse Reserved. Full access to the feed whenever they want (feeder)

I would never feed cracked corn to my flock.
Is this Kalmbach feed a crumble or pelleted or a whole grain type feed?

extract: ... "Cracked or rolled corn is a common ingredient in scratch feed. Corn is high in carbohydrates, which helps birds generate energy to stay warm. " //end

Kalmbach Henhouse Reserve: https://www.chewy.com/kalmbach-feed...gHN1XL63x1DyYANXIec4_iAaNWDM7I2waAjgyEALw_wcB

 

[Kiki]

Is this chicken the same one that was being bullied a while back?