Non-laying chicken

[Bluebellthebluebell]

It looks like we've found the answer and today Bluebell laid her first egg in about 8 weeks. Lice ! Because she's so shy and hates being picked up, she's the one who we tend to leave alone so we don't stress her too much. But she had them. So a mega-claim of the coop and nest box, a liberal scattering of diatomatious earth everywhere (and on them) which we'll repeat in a week and we have our first egg. So as a novice hen owner, this has been a good lesson. Now to deal with the broody one !!! Thanks for your suggestions everyone which were all helpful in understanding our feathered friends

 

[aart]

Because she's so shy and hates being picked up, she's the one who we tend to leave alone so we don't stress her too much.

Good to examine birds off the roost after dark, they are easier to catch.
Regular handling will get the used to being examined.

diatomatious earth everywhere (and on them)

Get some permethrin dust or spray....DE will not kill those lice.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Good to examine birds off the roost after dark, they are easier to catch.
Regular handling will get the used to being examined.

Get some permethrin dust or spray....DE will not kill those lice.

Wow what a find! I agree with aart. DE isn’t your best option, I’m afraid. I also agree about picking them off the roost at night. I used permethrin before and it worked great. Never tried seven dust but I’ve heard it works wonders too. They are soooo much easier to handle. They are so calm at night you can do whatever you want with them. Good luck!