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

[LaPoule]

I recently made a change to Allen & Page Smallholder Layers Pellets - change-over has been gradual, mixing in old and new together. No problems there. Then, last Saturday, I bought some Ex-Bat feed too (after rave reviews here), but accidentally bought crumb instead of pellets. Mixed in with the other two, so as not to make a sudden change-over.

 

Now for the problem:

Cloudberry has been a keen layer since she started, including several double-yolkers (she is about 25 weeks old now). Yesterday, I was keen to fill Lady Hamilton up on feed, as I don't think she eats enough during the day (that's another story). So I made a mash of just the Ex-Bat and some water. I put both her and Cloudberry in the run (Lady H. too skittish to eat on her own ).

 

Today, only Lady Hamilton had laid, then this evening Cloudberry laid a softie. Then when we went to tuck them in 20 min ago, she laid another softie in the coop, and there was another teeny softie (no yolk) in the poop tray. I also noticed last night that there were the remains of some egg white in the run, which I now imagine to be Cloudberry. 5 eggs in 2 days!!! The only thing that has changed was the large dose of Ex-Bat crumb yesterday (though their last dose of pellets didn't have limestone flour mixed in - didn't want them to have too much either...).

 

I have separated her into the as her vent was protruding a little from all the laying, presumably (pushed it back in first). I will keep her in there alone during the morning tomorrow, and have prepared 50/50 pellets and mixed corn (no Ex-Bat), with a good helping of limestone flour and Poultry Spice for her.

 

Is this likely to have been caused by the Ex-Bat crumb? - blimey, it certainly encourages laying

 

Any recommendations otherwise (except a break in the Ex-Bat feed) - how about some Lifeguard? I can get some locally tomorrow. But I don't want to give her anything that encourages laying. How about the vit D liquid supplement (forgotten the name)? Thing is, I don't think that lack of calcium is a problem, so much as too many eggs!

 

Her behaviour otherwise seems normal, and she pottered about this evening as usual.

 

Confuzzed!

[Egluntyne]

They only thing you can do to be certain is to stop feeding it to them for a while and see if it makes a difference.

 

It could just be a coincidence.

 

I would put them back on their original rations if it were me and if the softies stop, leave them on it.

 

If not, then you may as well use it up.

[buffie]

I posted in the ex bats topic too but the feed is designed to improve condition and not to increase laying but help maintain a hens complete body system, including reproductive. She may have something else going on and if in doubt have a word with the BHWT Careline perhaps,

 

Buffie x

[LaPoule]

Thanks for your replies, Egluntine and Buffie.

 

Took Clouberry inside last night, as I thought that if it was another softie, I wanted her to be nice and warm. This morning she seemed fine, but I popped her in the on her own, with some food and water. She spent all morning going in and out of the nest box, scratching it desperately. Cue shredded paper everwhere . Eventually, we decided that she wanted to lay, but didn't like the nesting box, so popped her in the nesting box. She settled down, cooing happily. However, 20 min later, she was out with the others, and no sign of any egg, softie or otherwise. I also notice a little dried blood on her beak - is it possible that all the scratching in the nest box gave her a nose bleed? Cleaned it up and have seen nothing since.

 

When we came back this evening, there were still no egg-signs (unfortunately, mine tend to eat softies ), and she seemed her normal happy self. Vent looked fine.

 

But when we went to tuck them in, her vent was protruding somewhat again. Could it be a softie that she is trying to pass, which has caused the vent to protrude? Or have all the softies in the last few days hurt her insides, and make her feel like there's an egg she needs to lay, hence all the straining and protruding? How can I tell if there is an egg in there? Which bit do I prod?

 

We brought her in, gave her a few drops of metacam in some yoghurt (she only ate about 1/2), gave her a warm bath, followed by a hairdrying session (not a hit ), and now she is in a cat carrier on a towel, with a hot water bottle underneath, and the heating is on low. Vent looking good, but still no eggs.

 

Will go in search of some preparation H tomorrow, and will also call the BHWT careline, as you suggested Buffie (assuming they are open on a Sunday). Will also cut out the Ex-Bat feed until things improve, then try again.

 

As you both suggest, it's probably just a coincidence with the feed. Do you think Zolcal D will help - I don't want to overdose them all on calcium either

 

Thanks for listening (well...you know what I mean )

[Egluntyne]

But when we went to tuck them in, her vent was protruding somewhat again. Could it be a softie that she is trying to pass, which has caused the vent to protrude? Or have all the softies in the last few days hurt her insides, and make her feel like there's an egg she needs to lay, hence all the straining and protruding? How can I tell if there is an egg in there? Which bit do I prod?

 

I bet you have hit the nail on the head there.

 

She could be egg bound, too, they symptoms would fit, but after all the softies, I imagine she wouldn't suddenly produce a large hard egg. Can't rule it out though.

 

Have a feel of her underneath and see of you can feel an egg on its way.

 

I wouldn't tinker about in her insides unless you absolutely have to.

 

I'd carry on with the warmth, and the TLC and see what happens.

 

As always, if there is no improvement, or a deterioration, a trip to the vet would be in order.

 

Good luck.

[buffie]

Yes agree a vet may be a good idea now

 

Buffie x

[LaPoule]

YAY!!! AN EGG!!! WITH A SHELL!!!

 

She was bright and happy this morning (although, to be honest, she has been quite happy during all this, despite all the softies), and her vent was looking lovely (when people ask me what I do for fun, I tell them I examine chickens bums... ). Let her out with the others, and this afternoon came home to find a !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I am relieved beyond words! Thanks for your advice and for 'listening'. Will definitely keep an eye on her though!

[Egluntyne]

That is a relief!

[Budgies]

Oh thank goodness for that! Clever little lady!