4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[prudance]

Hi,

 

We've had four chickens from Omlet for just over two weeks, but have noticed that one of the chickens naps a lot more than the others (from day one!). She will also walk around with her eyes closed and feed with them closed. If you pick her up she appears to go to sleep in your arms. She only seems to open them if she's scratching around for food or if they're all off on an adventure together.

 

She looks obviously skinnier than the other three, I might not see her at the feeder as often as the others, but she still feeds OK.

 

Bit concerned as nice bright eyes are supposed to be a good sign - but she won't let us look at hers! No other indications of problems as all the birds are still not POL.

 

While I'm writing, I've seen several mentions of crops. Where exactly is a chicken's crop? My chicken book talks about it but doesn't tell me where it is!

 

Thanks everyone.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I did notice one of mine had her eyes closed a lot when she was younger . It soon stopped though. I take it they're not laying yet? Have you checked them over for lice? Have you wormed them yet? Sorry I can't be more help but others will have more advice & suggestions .

 

In the meantime, here's a diagram showing the crop. If you feel their chests at night when they're in bed, you should feel a solid, gritty-feeling lump. It should be empty by the morning.

 

[prudance]

Ooh that's a fantastic picture - thank you very much! I was about to start feeling in completely the wrong place!!

 

They're all still quite young with very pale combs. The delivery man reckoned we wouldn't see any eggs until some time in March.

 

I haven't wormed them yet because I assumed that Omlet would have supplied them wormed. Was going to give them VermX regularly and then Flubenvet every 6 months. If her crop feels OK I'll worm them earlier then. Maybe my kids have given them worms!! Wouldn't put it past them!

[Ain't Nobody Here]

If you haven't got your Vermex yet, I wouldn't bother with that to be honest. It doesn't get a very good review from Omleteers. Flubenvet however really works. If you already have Vermex, no harm in using it but as you say, use Flubenvet too.

[Hen Watch]

Hi Prudance,

 

Do keep a close eye on her. She may just be settling in and all will be fine eventually. But do check she is still eating and drinking. I only say this as I had an Omlet Pepperpot who closed her eyes and slept a lot and I thought she was just sunbathing. Turned out she wasn't eating or drinking and by the time I realised that she wasn't eating it was too late to reverse it and she died. I had only had her 2 weeks.

 

Please don't be alarmed, if she is eating and drinking that is a good sign and it maybe nothign at all. I just want to let you know to keep a close eye on her and if necessary feed her pellets mixed with warm water (which turns into an easily digestible sludge).

[fluffyknickers]

Hi, I was advised by Omlet that the chickens from Omlet do not come wormed and its up to us to do it if we want when we get them.

 

Michelle

[prudance]

Thank you - I assumed that they did come wormed. I will worm them asap!

 

Thanks for the crop lessons too. I've now felt all the girls' crops. All empty in the morning and full this evening. So maybe just the worms then.

 

Noticed her comb is floppy though. Pretty sure it wasn't yesterday. I will have to watch to see if she's getting water. Mind you I didn't see any of our girls use their glug today. They seem to prefer the slightly muddy water in the plant pot saucers.