Wanted Please - Harrogate / York / Leeds area

[millymollymandy]

Hi I need some advice for my FIL who just got 4 chickens from omlet on Thursday. I can't really offer any help as my chickens have never shown any signs of illness and I got them when they were already laying.

 

One of the chickens is spending a lot of the time in the nest box and when she is picked up her toes aren't spread out like normal she is scrunching up her feet( hope that makes sense).

 

There was an egg without a shell in the nest box this morning. Is that normal for when they begin laying?

 

Tried to ring omlet but only got the answer phone so I thought I would ask on here as there are a lot of experienced forum readers who can hopefully put my mind at rest.

[Patricia W]

I've just come off the phone to Omlet so they are there. She doesn't sound good - but I've never had an Omlet hen so other's may be better placed to give advice

 

Tricia

[Chickvic]

She may be a little unsettled. Yes they can lay soft shelled eggs when they start and it can make them look a bit hunched and slow. They usually perk up after they've laid though. My chickens scrunch their feet up when they are picked up, I don't think there is anything wrong. Have you checked her feet? If she is spending a lot of time in the nest box it could mean that she is trying to lay, Opal spent a few days wandering in and out before she laid.

I'm not dismissing any concerns you have but I would give her a few days, unless she is not eating or drinking in which case she will need to see a vet. Hope this helps

[millymollymandy]

The worry may be over there was an egg in the nest box this afternoon woo.

 

Although they are not sure if it is the poorly looking chuck that laid the egg I think it might be a good bet as she is now out and about.

 

I am going over tommorow to check up on them not that I know much!!