Vet is stumped! Why are my hens having so much trouble??

[BantyChooks]

Thank you for the info & reading links.
On a side note: Every time I see someone ask what’s wrong with their bird, everyone says we need more info, we need more info, but now I’ve given all the info & it’s too much. Idk what the heck I’m doing & what is or isn’t relevant. I said that from the beginning. And I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be a long term chicken farmer, I just want to do right by the ones I have while they’re here.

I happen to appreciate the detail you put in. Nice to not have to drag information out bit by bit.
I agree with the lash egg/salpingitis diagnosis. I'm sorry.

 

[ThracianHorse]

I read somewhere that this problem can also be caused by phosphorus deficiency. I'll look and see if I can find where I read that bit of information.

 

[GumBranchChick]

I happen to appreciate the detail you put in. Nice to not have to drag information out bit by bit.
I agree with the lash egg/salpingitis diagnosis. I'm sorry.

Thank you!! I am detailed by nature & by nurture. And possibly a bit ocd.
I’m not giving up on her yet by any means!! But it’s nice to know what I’m up against.

 

[GumBranchChick]

I read somewhere that this problem can also be caused by phosphorus deficiency. I'll look and see if I can find where I read that bit of information.

Thank you!!! Keep me posted. I’ll add that to my list of research!

 

[MissChick@dee]

Gumbranch...don’t apologize please. It was clear from the get go that you are the type of owner every animal SHOULD have. We all learn if your not learning your not growing in experience. Wish the outcome was different for you.

 

[GumBranchChick]

Gumbranch...don’t apologize please. It was clear from the get go that you are the type of owner every animal SHOULD have. We all learn if your not learning your not growing in experience. Wish the outcome was different for you.

Thank you all so much for being so supportive & sympahetic! Even my own family, while being supportive, won’t understand or be as sympathetic.

 

[GumBranchChick]

Quick calcium question...calcium carbonate is my assumption. But there was also calcium citrate. I got pills not liquid should I go back for liquid?

 

[Kathy Golla]

Is there the chance you are feeding the hens too many treats or they are free ranging too much?
Are the affected hens somehow being kept away from feed?
Sorry if you already mentioned it.
Seems like your hens might not be getting enough important nutrients and calcium somehow.
Choose a good layer feed and stick with it.

 

[MissChick@dee]

Quick calcium question...calcium carbonate is my assumption. But there was also calcium citrate. I got pills not liquid should I go back for liquid?

Liquid calcium citrate will help with your soft shell eggs. As will calcium carbonate. Personally I don’t use them. But I don’t have a soft shell problem like you do. I’m thinking it’s personal preference liquid vs powder as far as what is easiest to administer to chickens. Liquid would be my choice. But since you already HAVE the powder go with that. Try to hide it in their treats. You could also mix it in their feed. I would suggest pulling up their feed at night then in the morning they’ll be good and hungry when you offer your crumbles.

 

[GumBranchChick]

Is there the chance you are feeding the hens too many treats or they are free ranging too much?
Are the affected hens somehow being kept away from feed?
Sorry if you already mentioned it.
Seems like your hens might not be getting enough important nutrients and calcium somehow.
Choose a good layer feed and stick with it.

They free range for 1-4 hours in the morning, depending on the day. Right now they’re getting more extras than I would like bc I have to get meds in them & one or the other has had a low appetite off & on since things got worse. I did try doing no treats back when it was just a soft egg issue. I don’t give a lot of “table scraps” per se, but sweet peppers & kale & other extra produce that I can freeze, I usually give in the middle of the day when it’s been so crazy hot bc they avoid their misters like the plague.