Ayizen Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 One of 8 of our chickens has a very slanted back (tail touches ground) and has been laying soft-shelled eggs. I have looked up the causes of soft shelled eggs, but i do not think it is calcium deficiency. We cannot take her to vet either because we don't have the money. I am afraid she may have been picked up wrong, but i am really not sure, it seems a little dramatic to have been picked up wrong. she is behaving normal, but she cannot really forage or walk well and she still flys up to her roast at night. I hope some one has some advice! Does anyone think she will recover on her own? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 How old is she? Have you wormed her? The hunched attitude can be a sign of worms. I would give her some Flubenvet as a precaution. PM me your address and I'll send you some. However, they also look miserable and hunched when they are laying soft shelled eggs. Thef act that she isn't walking well could also be a pointer to the fact that she might be a little short of calcium after all. Why not give her some limestone flour and codliver oil or a soluble calcium supplement such as Zolcal D to see if it helps. Neither option is terribly expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 Welcome to the forum, Ayizen . Sorry to hear you're worried about your hen . I'm sure Egluntine is right - I hope you manage to get what she suggests and your hen perks up. You might be able to get limestone flour for tortoises from a petshop or you may get some in an equine supplies shop if you have one close to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickaboo Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 My Phoebe had a problem with soft eggs; and she would go very hunched with tail down about 24hrs prior to laying a softie, it really does take it out of them and they can seem quite ill. In my experiance there isn't much that the vet would do unless the egg burst inside and they get peritionitis, in which case she would need antibiotics. I hope thats some help, and that she picks up soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ayizen Posted April 9, 2009 Author Share Posted April 9, 2009 Thanks for the advice everyone. Will buy something for the calcium and if that doesn't work i will try the antibiotics. I just hope it isn't anything serious. It has been about 4 days now. ... and thanks for the welcome =3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
