New Backyard Chicken Member

[donnadunut]

Hi. I am new to Backyard chickens. I have had chickens a few years ago and now we have 6 hens, had them almost 1 year, they are just over a year old now. They are funny but brilliant egg layers. the least we had throughout winter was 4 eggs so we are very lucky.

Unfortunately one of our hens, Maisie, a ginger nut, had a prolapse about 4 weeks ago. That has now been sorted but now the other hens will not let her back in, well a couple of them, are letting her know they are in charge and one particular hen, marmalade, an other ginger nut, is fine for ages then she goes for her. Poor Maisie is losing feathers too. We have introduced her back in to the run, but with a chicken wire separation. They are in lockdown still, have been since 7 Nov 2022, so this is not helping the situation. Maise is fine, eating and drinking, scratching around but now I am petrified of putting her back in the coup at night with the other 5 hens. She has her own little place separate at the moment, where she was recuperating. Also will she lay again in the future does anyone know? Any advice would be so much appreciated. Thank you Donnadonut & Maisie

 

[chelseachook]

Hi! Welcome to BYC
Is this article helpful?
https://www.melbournebirdvet.com/dead-in-shell-youngsters/
I don't have much experience with this issue, but maybe try asking on the 'Emergencies/ Diseases/ Injuries and Cures' forum. I hope all goes well with Maisie!
Edit: I posted the wrong link sorry. Here is the article I was referring to:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/prolapsed-chicken-vent.78134/

 

[NagemTX]

Aww sorry to hear about those problems.
Welcome to BYC!

 

[Lovely Lettie]

Welcome to BYC! Nice to meet you

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I'm so sorry that you, and Maisie are dealing with this stress.
How big are your coop and run? Do you have any activities in there? Can you post a picture?

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[Blue Raptor]

Hi. I am new to Backyard chickens. I have had chickens a few years ago and now we have 6 hens, had them almost 1 year, they are just over a year old now. They are funny but brilliant egg layers. the least we had throughout winter was 4 eggs so we are very lucky.

Unfortunately one of our hens, Maisie, a ginger nut, had a prolapse about 4 weeks ago. That has now been sorted but now the other hens will not let her back in, well a couple of them, are letting her know they are in charge and one particular hen, marmalade, an other ginger nut, is fine for ages then she goes for her. Poor Maisie is losing feathers too. We have introduced her back in to the run, but with a chicken wire separation. They are in lockdown still, have been since 7 Nov 2022, so this is not helping the situation. Maise is fine, eating and drinking, scratching around but now I am petrified of putting her back in the coup at night with the other 5 hens. She has her own little place separate at the moment, where she was recuperating. Also will she lay again in the future does anyone know? Any advice would be so much appreciated. Thank you Donnadonut & Maisie

Welcome to BYC!!

 

[Eggcessive]

You are doing the best thing to keep her near the others divided by the fencing. A wire dog crate with food/water inside the coop or run works well. If you can once a day have a supervised visit to have them all together. If a particular hen is relentless, sometimes separating them for a week can lower them in the pecking order.

 

[donnadunut]

Hi! Welcome to BYC
Is this article helpful?
https://www.melbournebirdvet.com/dead-in-shell-youngsters/
I don't have much experience with this issue, but maybe try asking on the 'Emergencies/ Diseases/ Injuries and Cures' forum. I hope all goes well with Maisie!
Edit: I posted the wrong link sorry. Here is the article I was referring to:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/prolapsed-chicken-vent.78134/

Thank You for your help, much appreciated. Donna & Maisie