One of my 28 week old RIR's has not layed for a week. She doesn't run to the gate with the others. Seems to be moving slowly and not paying attention to food scraps. What could be wrong, and what can I do? Thx ahead of time.
It could be any number of things. Coccidiosis is a possibility. Check her stools for diarrhea or blood, and check her vent for an egg with a lubricated gloved finger. Check her crop first thing in the morning to see that it is emptying. Look her over especially under the vent for lice or mite eggs or bugs. Egg binding is fairly common, and if you find an egg, let her soak in a warm tub of water to try and get the egg out. If you suspect coccidiosis, treat her with Corid (amprollium) liquid 2 tsp per gallon of water for 5-7 days.Here is some info on cocci: http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex4616