Sick birds?

[mizzq]

I have 14 hens and 1 rooster. I have noticed over the last month or so the egg production has drastically gone down. I used to get 6-8ish eggs a day, now I am lucky to get 2 or 3. I had one hen lay a couple of soft eggs that eventually hardened, (I think). They do not seem to be eating/drinking much. Sometimes I get green poop and periodically I get black poop. For the most part they seem to be acting normal. They come running when I go out to check on them and they gobble up their "treats"(left over fruits and veggies, sometimes a bit of bread or some wheat or meal worms). Any thoughts of what to do would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Judy]

There is certainly more than one possibility. How old are they? If they have a heavy worm load, this can affect appetite. To begin, have you ever given them a chemical wormer? (I like Valbazen, myself.) And have you checked for lice/mite infestation?

 

[mizzq]

They are last years hens. I usually replace my hens every year but due to having my child in January I opted not to get "fresh" birds this year. I have never had this problem. I have not noticed any lice or mites but of course they do not let me catch them. I have not given them anything but their food and water either. I guess I will be going to the store today to get them some wormer and start there. Thank you.

 

[welasharon]

I would also consider that they may be molting. They do around this time of the year. Do you see feathers laying about?