- Feb 11, 2012
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Hello all...This morning my chicken herders ( my daughters ages 12 and 15) went outside to perform their daily feeding ritual and found a mess that has them very upset. We live in Western Pa and this year we have had some crazy weather and I am sure this has not been easy on my layers. We have 6 pullets, and 2 older hens. Today we found 4 our 6 pullets very bloody and injured. It appears as though there has been significant vent picking by the other birds, although its not confined to just the vent. the thighs and backs of these birds is raw and there is some significant bleeding. I removed the 4 affected birds, cleaned the area, and applied blue Kote. We put them in our broody pen, gave them fresh layer mash, water and scratch grains. They are still picking a bit amongst themselves, and are just laying in the straw bedding we have provided. I will have a red light put in for them as soon as my husband is able to make it home to assist with the electrical work. They are still laying, and of course the eggs we got today were blood covered. My daughter opted to throw these away and I did not argue the fact. Is there any other suggestions as to what may be affecting my crew, what I can do to help them and my biggest question, since I applied blue kote to the vent itself, will the eggs be safe to eat after the healing process is complete? I have heard once a chicken is treated, you cannot eat their meat, does the same apply for their eggs in this instance? Thank you for any advise you may give as my children are very upset by this, these chickens are members of our family, each with a well thought out name even.