My eco solution to rat problems

[scriv]

Hi,

 

we have a pepperpot that has struggled from the word go. always getting eggs stuck, only really one good period of laying.

 

for the last week, no eggs, very depressed, not much movement (done this before, thought we would leave it as before)

 

had a good look today and she is very light, with black marks and spots on face and comb.

 

any ideas?

 

thanks,

 

Jon

[The Dogmother]

Black marks on the comb and wattles can sometimes just be scabs form when they have caught their comb on something or been pecked. It can also be a sign of fowl pox. As your hen is generally not well, may I suggest that you take her to a chicken savvy vet.

[scriv]

have booked her in this afternoon at a vet we have used before for chooks.

 

Hopefully he will have an answer!

 

Thanks,

 

Jon

[WitchHazel]

Hi John

 

Have you wormed your chickens recently? If not, a dose of Flubenvet is a good start.

 

Are your girls getting enough Calcium? A pot of Oyster shell (and mixed grit) is a good thing to have near your feeders so they can help themselves. You can also add Limestone Flour (available from horsey tack shops) to their pellets.

 

If the comb and wattles are pale it can also be a symptom of some horrible little suckers like lice or red mites. There are a lot of lice problems about at this time of year.

 

Hope that helps

[The Dogmother]

have booked her in this afternoon at a vet we have used before for chooks.

 

Hopefully he will have an answer!

 

Thanks,

 

Jon

 

I'd be interested to hear what your vet has to say, Jon

[scriv]

Well they get wormed every month, verm x stuff, so were wormed about 4 weeks ago now.

 

They have mixed grit added to pellets and spread around the garden to find for themselves.

 

Comb is dark red but floppy, she is still moving about and cleaning her feathers, but has long periods of sitting down on her own. She hasn't eaten much, as she is really light, so not sure worming will help her.

 

I'll see if the vet has some worming stuff I can administer orally.

 

No sign of mites, eglu is kept clean, change straw, etc. every week. Plus they free-range all day long.

 

I'm not convinced she'll make it, as I say we've had problems from the start, think she may be too inbred.

 

thanks,

 

Jon

[The Dogmother]

Sometimes some chooks are more delicate and just never thrive - I had one like that Jon. It sounds like you've given her all the best chances, so don't beat yourself up about it.

[slip and pitch]

I noticed some small black patches appearing on one of my girls,and mentioned it to the vet last time she was in. He said its just a slight change in the pigment where they're outside most of the day in the sunlight so it could just be this. Better to get it checked out though. good luck.