Thin, light colored shells and difficulty laying

[pollo ojo]

Hi!

We have 3 layers- 2 average one egg a day. 1 is a little....different.

She can spend most of a day with her rear end low and walking more like a penguin than a chicken. She looks uncomfortable and doesn't jump or run as well as she does the rest of the time.

When she does lay the egg it is thinner shelled with a lighter brown color and not as often as her sisters.

Any suggestions? We use a commercial organic layer crumble. We've recently added oyster shells. They get a lot of time outside.

Thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! She's got a problem, and there are several possible issues. Is she older? Have you looked for mites and lice, especially at night with a flashlight? Eating well, and normal weight, not too thin? Injured? Prolapsing? Oyster shell in a separate dish, right? Internal issues won't go well, so I hope you can figure something out that's easily fixed. Mary

 

[pollo ojo]

Thanks for your reply.

She's only about 6 months old. No mites or ticks. She eats well and is not under weight. Not injured or prolapsed. Yes, oyster shell in a separate dish. We only just added it to the coop in the last week.

Yeah, I don't figure internal issues will end well for her. She seems to be fine after she lays the egg and I'd guess this has been going on for 3 months. Makes me think it's not something horrible. Thoughts?

T

 

[Folly's place]

Hope it's immaturity, and she'll do better as she grows up. Good luck! Mary

 

[Chickenmanjim7]

Does she carry her tail cocked off to the side? I am just gathering information.