ChickenSherry
In the Brooder
- Sep 4, 2022
- 8
- 32
- 31
I have a flock of 3 chickens (2 that are a little over 4 years and 1 that is about 2) that have all stopped laying over the last 2 weeks. Here's the backstory:
About 2 weeks ago, I had a 4th chicken who developed prolapse, which I believed to be due to her being egg-bound (discovered when I went to treat treat the prolapse with epsom bath, prep H and manipulation). The "egg" felt more like a mass and after several days of treatment did not pass. She subsequently died.
Meanwhile, the other 3 girls stopped laying. At first, I thought it might have been due to the stress of the change of losing one of the girls - they had paired up and now there was an odd number and I know chickens don't like change. It has also been a summer of inconsistent egg production, which I thought might be due to age with 2 of the girls now over 4 and due to heat as it's been crazy hot here.
However, they have now all developed poopy vents (which has been an on-off issue over the last few months, but with no other signs or symptoms of illness) and I found a small lash egg in one of the nesting boxes. I do not know who layed it. I'm not sure exactly where to start. We don't have a chicken vet in our area, or at least I couldn't find one when I tried to find someone to help with the prolapse mentioned above. I've read a lot on this forum and elsewhere about salpingitis, which explains the lash egg and no eggs, as well as the fact that they are still eating/drinking/moving around fine. Looks like the prognosis is poor for my girl(s). I want to do what I can to salvage my flock if possible and am looking for advice.
I found a thread about treating with antibiotics, but it sounds like that is unlikely to work and even if it does they won't go back to laying. We enjoy our chickens, but have them primarily for egg production. I'm trying to decide whether to try to treat (and if so, where to start) or start over with a new flock. Anyone successfully treat for this and come out with productive hens on the other end?
Also, I did order Corid to treat for Coccidiosis (since I read it's super common and we've not ever done that), but am not sure I should do that in the current sitch. Seems like it's antibiotic or nothing.
A couple of other facts that I see some asking during troubleshooting:
- They get primarily pelletized food - Omega-3 enriched; no more than a handful of seed treats/day + leafy greens about once a week
- Free access to crushed oyster shells
- Fresh water every day, usually with Rooster Booster w/probiotics
- Have tried Poultry Rx too weekly to keep them healthy
This was a very helpful article that someone else posted about salpingitis (the small lash egg looked like one of these pictures) https://the-chicken-chick.com/salpingitis-lash-eggs-in-backyard/
About 2 weeks ago, I had a 4th chicken who developed prolapse, which I believed to be due to her being egg-bound (discovered when I went to treat treat the prolapse with epsom bath, prep H and manipulation). The "egg" felt more like a mass and after several days of treatment did not pass. She subsequently died.
Meanwhile, the other 3 girls stopped laying. At first, I thought it might have been due to the stress of the change of losing one of the girls - they had paired up and now there was an odd number and I know chickens don't like change. It has also been a summer of inconsistent egg production, which I thought might be due to age with 2 of the girls now over 4 and due to heat as it's been crazy hot here.
However, they have now all developed poopy vents (which has been an on-off issue over the last few months, but with no other signs or symptoms of illness) and I found a small lash egg in one of the nesting boxes. I do not know who layed it. I'm not sure exactly where to start. We don't have a chicken vet in our area, or at least I couldn't find one when I tried to find someone to help with the prolapse mentioned above. I've read a lot on this forum and elsewhere about salpingitis, which explains the lash egg and no eggs, as well as the fact that they are still eating/drinking/moving around fine. Looks like the prognosis is poor for my girl(s). I want to do what I can to salvage my flock if possible and am looking for advice.
I found a thread about treating with antibiotics, but it sounds like that is unlikely to work and even if it does they won't go back to laying. We enjoy our chickens, but have them primarily for egg production. I'm trying to decide whether to try to treat (and if so, where to start) or start over with a new flock. Anyone successfully treat for this and come out with productive hens on the other end?
Also, I did order Corid to treat for Coccidiosis (since I read it's super common and we've not ever done that), but am not sure I should do that in the current sitch. Seems like it's antibiotic or nothing.
A couple of other facts that I see some asking during troubleshooting:
- They get primarily pelletized food - Omega-3 enriched; no more than a handful of seed treats/day + leafy greens about once a week
- Free access to crushed oyster shells
- Fresh water every day, usually with Rooster Booster w/probiotics
- Have tried Poultry Rx too weekly to keep them healthy
This was a very helpful article that someone else posted about salpingitis (the small lash egg looked like one of these pictures) https://the-chicken-chick.com/salpingitis-lash-eggs-in-backyard/
Last edited:
