Red Hen is sick?

[AmyW]

I have a red hen I think she may be a New Hampshire Red, but maybe a Rhode Island Red. She's always been a good layer until recently. Now I am getting 1-2 eggs per week with very very thin shells. I lost my other red hen (I had 2 - I also have 2 Leghorns, who appear healthy and are still laying well). She didn't appear sick to my untrained eye before she died. Anyway, I'm noticing things now that I lost the other one. The remaining red hen has had very natty looking feathers for the past several months - they almost don't even look like feathers anymore. They are matted and feel rough. I friend recommended I look at her oviduct area, and sure enough, her butt is goopy. My friend is going to advise me on what to do about that, as she has a hen with a prolapsed oviduct and thinks this may be what's going on with mine. When I caught the bird (she is skittish and sometimes aggressive), I noticed the feathers look even worse under her wings - the flapping made that obvious. Could she have a parasite? What can I do about it, if so? I'm going to be adding to my flock soon, as I want to replace the lost bird and add 2-3 more, but I want to make sure my flock is healthy before bringing in new birds. Please help!!

 

[seminolewind]

Sounds like they may need a good worming and a follow up a few weeks later. And check for bugs. Dawg53 can help you with the worm-y stuff! I hope you're giving them calcium or oyster shell. And good feed.

 

[AmyW]

I am giving them calcium. I do think they have worms and/or parasites. I talked to a friend tonight and have a plan for tomorrow, but would appreciate any extra input anyone has. Anyone? Anyone? Dawg53?

 

[klmclain1]

Dawg53 has been pretty busy this week and not here much. Do a search using keywords dawg53, schedule and Valbazen. He has a great worming schedule and is the guru when it comes to worming (among other things). The feather issue - could just be she's moulting. My girls are looking a bit icky in the feathers too - they look ratty and matty! I would thoroughly look her over for mites and lice as well and dust all your chickens/living quarters accordingly.