Newbie needs help.....

[Oobyscoot]

Hi all,

I have been keeping chooks for 3 months now, I got them at point of lay and they have become pets more so than livestock. I only have 4, but I am quite limited for space and wanted them to have plenty of room to strech their legs / wings.

Anyhow, one of them has started to loose a few feathers, the real little ones around her head. I noticed this on sunday and as it was a bank holiday yesterday, have been unable to contact the vet as of yet. But this morning she laid an egg with no shell. Not in the nesting box, just on the inside part of the run. Its almost as if it just sort of dropped out where she was stood at the time. She has been very quiet today and is just sort of stood on her own, not doing alot while the others are happily scratching around for grubs and stuff. (the run is split into two halves, one half is biult on concrete slabs and so is completely predator proof, the other half is just on the dirt ground) I put a layer of topsoil on the concrete slabs (changed twice a week) so they have something to scratch about in when they are locked in the safe part of the run. When I am home they have the whole run, when I am in the garden, they get to roam about the garden to their hearts content. They are fed Layers pellets and layers mash. (2 of them prefer the pellets and the other two prefere the mash, so I put both out) and have free access to their food / water whenever they want.I also give them mixed poultry grit which they have access to whenever they want it. They are all very tame and will follow me around the garden for hours just in case I have something nice. They get plenty of fresh leaves and salad, they get corn as a treat. They dont seem to be under any stress, and seem happy enough. I think they have enough space, as when I go into the house, they all go back into the run of their own accord. I take this to indicate that they feel safe in there. I have had comments on how healthy they look over the past few weeks. I think they look a little chubby, but they are spoiled pets after all.

Can anyone explain to me what is going on? do I need to rush her to the vets, or is this something that happens. I was wondering if she could be going into molt, but is this not the wrong time of year?

Any help greatfully received.

 

[herefordlovinglady]

Sounds like your chickens have a very good home. I do know what could be wrong with her. Just thought I would reply to bump you up so maybe someone with some knowledge could answer.

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

It sounds a bit like Molt but I would remove her just in case you would not want the rest of the flock to get what ever she may have if anything then I would call the vet but that is just me I would try to wait it out and see if she gets worse I noticed you didn't say that you give them Oyster shell just poultry grit Yes there is a difference the grit makes it easier to eat the food and the oyster shell is for the egg shells (just a thought).
Please keep us posted on what is going on.
Good luck

 

[Imp]

Chickens can lose feathers any time of the year. A mini molt. The big fall molt is kind of a rough guide. I have a 5 yo hen right now that is mostly bald with the new feathers coming in. Looks like gray dreadlocks. Here's some info:

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/lvstk2/mf2308.pdf

The shell-less egg is also fairly normal for new layers. I'd not worry about it.

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/publi...ndbook/16/thinshelled-eggs-and-shellless-eggs

Are you giving oyster shell? The extra calcium may help the shells.
Also keep their treats to a minimum, less than 10% of their diet. Growing new feathers requires protein.

The standing off by herself acting lethargic is a little worrisome. May be nothing. Keep an eye on her, and repost in the emergency section if she's not acting normal.

Good luck
Imp

And I agree with herefordlovinglady, sounds like you take great care of your chickens

 

[Oobyscoot]

Thanks for the replies. I will get some oyster shell today.

Yesterday evening she was a lot better, more active and back to herself. I am wondering now weather the random egg plopping out had just taken her by surprise and worried her for a few hours. She was fighting at the feeder with the rest of them in the evening. (the feeder is more than big enough, but they all seem to want to eat out of the same section for some reason. If one moves o another section, the others will follow. They are strange creatures. I will wait and see what happens egg-wise today. Local farmer had a look at her yesterday evening, (he has about 300 hens so he knows how to look after them) he said she looked healthy and fine, but this was in the evening after she had perked up somewhat.

They have all been laying for about 10 weeks now, I dont know if they are classed as new layers or not. They have been immunised against all the usual deseases, but I do worry about them. Whats the point in having pets if you aren't going to look after them.

I will let you all know how things progress.