Tiny Egg

[ClareScifi]

Has anyone ever had a 2 1/2 year old Leghorn hen who had been laying perfect eggs all of a sudden one day lay a tiny yolkless egg and then stop laying altogether?

 

[Chick Charm]

Yes. Some leghorns fade fast.

Is she in the beginning of a molt? Was it a wind or fart egg?

 

[ClareScifi]

She's not in the beginning of a molt, and it looked like a regular egg, with a hard shell, super tiny and yolkless. She turned 2 at the end of September. Seems odd that after laying perfect eggs she would all of a sudden lay a tiny egg and no more? Wouldn't there be a more gradual wind-down? I'm worried it could be an infection or peritonitis or something? I read when an older hen lays a fart egg it is usually a bit of reproductive tissue that has come loose and has been made into a tiny egg, but I would think it wouldn't keep her from ever laying another egg, unless there is a medical problem of some sort? It has me really worried...

 

[ClareScifi]

Also, she's not a full leghorn. She's half Buff Orpington or some other breed that resulted in shiny golden feathers around her neck. Maybe Brahma.

Her same-age sisters, a half legorn/half RIR is still laying well, as is my Silver-Laced Sebright Bantam of their same age, and their 4 year old Barred Rock Stepmama. It really has me puzzled and concerned.

I wonder whether the rooster could have mated with her inside the coop and pushed her into something hard like wood or a brick, damaging her reproductive system?

 

[Chick Charm]

I understand she is a mix. I was just focusing on the leghorn trait of tapering off fast.

Many things other than age can effect a hen to stop laying. Diet, a disease, parasites, stress ect. I really don't have a diagnosis for ya. But I do hope you find out.

Peritonitis can be seen by the "large" featherless protrusion sticking out of their bottom. You would be able to see and feel this large lump. I don't believe your rooster is the cause of this in any shape or form. Just my thoughts though. I have seen a few softball sized bald butts and the are easily noticeable.

 

[ClareScifi]

Do you think she might need extra protein? She loves yogurt, scrambled egg, and eggshells.

 

[Chick Charm]

Extra protein is always welcomed by most chickens. It does seem to help them in growth and in recovery.

When is the last time she was wormed?

 

[ClareScifi]

I had the chickens' poop analyzed for worms, and there was none in it. But maybe they didn't see any. I've had my Barred Rock for 4 years and never had a problem with worms. I suppose it could be something new, but wouldn't the other hens likely be affected, as well?

 

[ClareScifi]

I have never actually 'wormed' my chickens. I am scared of chemicals and products and such. I do give them Apple Cider Vinegar in their drinking water, and I have used D.E. in their bedding to prevent mites/parasites. I did use a dusting product in their scratching/bathing dirt once, but it scared me. They have seemed to stay very healthy, nonetheless.

 

[Chick Charm]

DE ingested is a maintenance you can provide to help your hen. But "if" she has a bout of worms you would have to use a wormer or 2 to be effective and help her.