Single hen

[sarahboo]

Hi All

 

I have a question about our new chooks and wonder if anyone can help. Apologise if this should have gone onto the poultry health page.

 

We have 3 new chickens (originally from Omlet). When we empty the poo trays from our cube there seems to be a lot of dry flaky bits of skin in the bottom. We have also found a couple of what I can only describe as translucent casing type things - sort of look like a dried meal worm but see through. Does anyone have any ideas as to what this could be?

 

We have just finished worming them with flubenvet as they are new to us so not sure if this could be connected?

 

They seem happy and healthy otherwise - no sign of lice/mites etc.

 

We have checked the forum for clues but can't find anything similar. This morning a couple of their poos had traces of blood (not a lot) in them. I think/hope I am worrying about nothing.

 

Any ideas/advice gratefully received. The plan is to merge the 3 new girls with our original 3 but they are not ready yet anyway (only a week into the integration) and want to make sure they are all healthy before merging completely.

 

Thanks!

 

Sarah

 

 

Home to: Pepper, Nutmeg, Toffee

 

Home to: Marmite, Tikka, Honey (3 Colombian Blacktails)

[sarahboo]

Is anyone able to offer any advice?

 

Thanks.

 

Sarah

[moochoo]

It sounds to be like the feather sheaths. When new feathers grow they come out of the skin in a protective sheath which falls off as the feather unfolds. These discarded sheaths look just as you've described. I can't think of another solution.

[sarahboo]

Thanks Moochoo

 

That's put my mind at rest!

 

Just have a poo issue to sort out now - since introducting new girls all the poos seem to be very 'unsettled' - a couple with flecks of red stuff which I assume could be blood? Not too much though and all seem very healthy so will keep an eye on it. They have only been together for just over a week - free ranging together but sep houses. A few spats and a few spots of blood on the combs but nothing too bad - will persevere! I assume this may unsettle them too!

 

Thanks again.

 

[likeastar--x]

One of my banties had flaky skin on her tummy for a little while...didnt really think this could be a problem so I left it, and it cleared up. And you havent actually seen that its from their skin, so it might be something unrelated. As for the blood in their poop, I dont have any experience of that, but if they all seem healthy and it doesnt continue, then it should be okay. Wait for someone with better advice though

[moomin]

We sometimes have a read 'stain' in the poo tray in the morning with some of the poos, like a coppery colour. Or is it proper red blood? If so this could mean several things, have you tried worming them? As long as they are OK in themselves and are not hunched and unhappy looking, I wouldn't worry too much.

 

They get flakey bits when they are changing feathers, from chick stage to point of lay. And later on when they are moulting.

[sarahboo]

Thanks for your replies.

 

Yes Moomin - more of a red/orangy colour - not bright red so I don't think it will be a problem. Our 'old' 3 girls and 'new' 3 girls are all very healthy looking with bright red combs and are certainly fiesty at the moment deciding the 'pecking' order!!!

 

The new girls arrived 14/2 and I wormed them as soon as they arrived for a week on flubenvet. The old 'gals' (only a year old!) are due to be wormed next week anyway.

 

It's amazing how much you worry about them!