Vent of hen that is laying vs. non-laying

[kuntrychick]

What is the vent supposed to look like on a hen that is laying?

What about while molting? Will it change to resemble that of a "spent" hen?

What about when they're too young to lay or about to lay...does the appearance change?

What about if they have any parasites or sick or something and aren't laying because of that? Does the vent appear as that of a laying hen or non-laying?

So, what all does the vent tell you regarding laying/non-laying?


ETA: I just re-read my last question....."what all does the vent TELL you...." LOL

 

[JPHorvath]

Good questions possibly someone is online that can answer your questions I am interested as well.

 

[galanie]

Quote:
The vent tells you... OK Not going there

Anyway, a layer has a moist vent. Non layers vents are dry. The layer's vent is also bigger. Another thing is you can feel for their pubic bones a little above the vent area and see how far apart they are. If they seem to be stuck together almost, no laying is happening. Generally it's said that once you can get three fingers between the pubic bones, they should be laying. I have one that I think just laid her first pullet egg and hers are only two fingers apart, but then last week they were so close together I couldn't really even get one finger between them.

 

[Lollipop]

Hey galanie, those bones are UNDER the vent, unless you are holding the chicken upside down, lol........Pop

 

[galanie]

Quote:
LMAO yeah I guess you're right. That's what I get for trying to think this early in the morning

Heck, they're there someplace!

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
The vent talks to me like a puppet

 

[kuntrychick]

Quote:
LMAO yeah I guess you're right. That's what I get for trying to think this early in the morning

Heck, they're there someplace!

Let the VENT TELL you where it is! LMAO