She won't let me hold her

[SurbFarmGirl]

I posted yesterday that my Gerty girl hasn't laid an egg in about 2 weeks. Everyone said it's probably because she isn't getting enough light .... but my other 3 are still laying.

Would there be a reason that she suddenly won't let me hold her? I used to hold her daily ... she'd squat and I'd pick her up. Now ... she runs I hate it. I don't know if the above have anything to do with one another ... but I don't know how to fix it.

Any advice on what I can do? They are on layer feed ... should I get her more protein?

 

[shodack]

I've read that being touched during a molt can be very uncomfortable for them. If she is molting it would explain both issues.

 

[mymilliefleur]

I've read that being touched during a molt can be very uncomfortable for them. If she is molting it would explain both issues.

X2, are you sure your hen isn't molting?

 

[SurbFarmGirl]

She is only 7 months old. I haven't noticed much feather loss ... though above her tail she has mostly down looking feathers but I think that's pretty common for Easter Egger ladies. Could she be molting?

 

[mymilliefleur]

She is only 7 months old. I haven't noticed much feather loss ... though above her tail she has mostly down looking feathers but I think that's pretty common for Easter Egger ladies. Could she be molting?

I doubt she's molting, but it is possible. most pullets won't molt their first year, but some will, so that is a possibility. Other than that, I'm not sure. It's possible now that she's mature she has become more aloof. Is it possible that there could be something wrong with her? I would catch her up and do an exam, check for lice, mites, injury, etc.

 

[SurbFarmGirl]

She was laying ... up til about 2 weeks ago. Steadily .... an egg a day.

 

[Pork Pie]

Do you think that she may be in the early stages of broodiness perhaps?

CT