new to us chickens.

[jjj7jjj]

After losing all of our 5 month old raised from day old Buff Orpington chickens last year to a mink without ever getting an egg. We have decided to try chickens again. We saw an ad for 2 year old hens from a local farmer. We bought 6 hens last monday . The chickens started laying the second day . One of hens does not look healthy missing tail feathers and breast feathers and her egg laying area seems swollen . They are all acting happy, eating well and we would like to get them healthier?. Is there anything we can do beside supply a clean, safe environment with good feed and water? Also some of the eggs have blood spots. The old farmer did not remember the breed but they are a red and white chicken. Thanks

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds like they were feather picked by other chickens, and perhaps overbread by too many roosters. Blood spots are present in roughly 10% of all eggs, and can be more common in hens over 2 years. Feathers should grow back in with time, or with the next molt. Check them for any signs of lice or mites which can irritate the skin and cause a ragedy appearance. There may be tiny bugs running around, and nits or eggs may be visible at the base of feathers. Feed them a good brand of bslanced layer feed, along with some crushed egg shell or oystershell in a separate container to take as they want. Fresh clean water in a couple of areas( as also with feed stations,) and a small bit of probiotic yogurt a couple of days a week with the feed should promote good health. Many people also deworm their chickens once or twice a year, and Valbazen or SafeGuard liquid goat wormer are good broadspectrum wormers.

 

[jjj7jjj]

Thank you for the information each chicken looks a different some look very healthy I hope that is a sign of them not having bugs. They are looking a little healthier each day I but a dirt bath out for them and changing the bedding after about 5 days. I think they are red sex link hens. thank you again

 

[Eggcessive]

Here is a good link with info and pictures of what to look for in lice and mites: http://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8162.pdf