Hey! I just recently got 11 new hens (now referred to as flock #2) and am currently quarantining them from my existing flock of 6 (flock #1). Problems:
1) 2 hens (flock #2) are laying soft or shell-less eggs. Have found one from each. I read it was sometimes due to a move, and they have only been here a week today. I am blaming that, but open to suggestions.
2) 3 of them do the stretching of the neck with an open mouth about 4 times a week (of course that I see). 1 of the 4 is from flock #1 and also sneezes When this happens, their eyes look okay, and they don't seem to be in distress, but is this movement always Gapeworm? We live in AZ and I am used to them panting, so I'm familiar with how that looks...
3) 1 of flock #1 and 1 of the flock #2 will lean forward as to forage, and liquid will come from their mouths. Sometimes it is after they have had a drink, sometimes not. I couldn't find a definitive answer on BYC.
#4) All in flock #1 pretty much always have runny poop. It is hardly ever solid enough to collect (for compost of course) except for some at night. I have never seen worms of any kind in the poop, but I can't imaging they get too much greens and seeds and protein since that is what they would eat in the wild. Do wild chickens have soft poop? Just found my next google search! If I don't feed them pre-packaged feed is it going to be as solid?
#5) I have just completed my second bout of lethargic, death-bed chicken with success, but am stumped! The last time was about 3 weeks ago when my gorgeous, huge Delaware hen-turned rooster
(guess that's why 'she' was mammoth) was at first just slow and weird, and within an hour, completely limp all over. I put him in a small dog carrier and syringed him water at first then raw cream. Long story short, in 24 hrs. he was good as gold and bumbling around as usual! Same thing happened yesterday with an Ameraucana. She didn't get as bad cause I started the regimen earlier with her, and within 12 hrs. much better and at 24 hrs. released. I thought the first time he had gotten stung by a scorpion, and it could have happened again, but otherwise, I can't tell.
#6) Lastly, why do a few of my hens (both flocks) just decide to plop over on their side, in the sun, on the rocks and lay there for like 3-6 minutes? Does this give them extra VIT D for good eggs? It's weird and I used to get nervous, but now I watch and they don't stay long.
What I am doing now:
I have started garlic water for de-worming as well as chopped garlic in leftovers since I figure it's good for them anyway. I already give them raw cream and milk once or twice a week as a probiotic delicacy, and they all get very nice, homemade chicken feed as well as extra kitchen goodies. Nothing packaged or processed, ever.
Of course their water is always clean...changed out twice a day...at least. They also have a wading pool to keep them cool since it is so hot right now.
Sorry such a long post, but hopefully it helps someone else someday
! Thanks guys!
1) 2 hens (flock #2) are laying soft or shell-less eggs. Have found one from each. I read it was sometimes due to a move, and they have only been here a week today. I am blaming that, but open to suggestions.
2) 3 of them do the stretching of the neck with an open mouth about 4 times a week (of course that I see). 1 of the 4 is from flock #1 and also sneezes When this happens, their eyes look okay, and they don't seem to be in distress, but is this movement always Gapeworm? We live in AZ and I am used to them panting, so I'm familiar with how that looks...
3) 1 of flock #1 and 1 of the flock #2 will lean forward as to forage, and liquid will come from their mouths. Sometimes it is after they have had a drink, sometimes not. I couldn't find a definitive answer on BYC.
#4) All in flock #1 pretty much always have runny poop. It is hardly ever solid enough to collect (for compost of course) except for some at night. I have never seen worms of any kind in the poop, but I can't imaging they get too much greens and seeds and protein since that is what they would eat in the wild. Do wild chickens have soft poop? Just found my next google search! If I don't feed them pre-packaged feed is it going to be as solid?
#5) I have just completed my second bout of lethargic, death-bed chicken with success, but am stumped! The last time was about 3 weeks ago when my gorgeous, huge Delaware hen-turned rooster
#6) Lastly, why do a few of my hens (both flocks) just decide to plop over on their side, in the sun, on the rocks and lay there for like 3-6 minutes? Does this give them extra VIT D for good eggs? It's weird and I used to get nervous, but now I watch and they don't stay long.
What I am doing now:
I have started garlic water for de-worming as well as chopped garlic in leftovers since I figure it's good for them anyway. I already give them raw cream and milk once or twice a week as a probiotic delicacy, and they all get very nice, homemade chicken feed as well as extra kitchen goodies. Nothing packaged or processed, ever.
Of course their water is always clean...changed out twice a day...at least. They also have a wading pool to keep them cool since it is so hot right now.
Sorry such a long post, but hopefully it helps someone else someday
! Thanks guys!
