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

[George Wolff]

Can anyone identify this problem? One of our hens that has not been laying regularly, now has white runny (almost mucous like) poo. She seems under the weather, is not eating, but is drinking. She stayed in her egloo this morning and when out, looks hunched and uncomfortable. She also seems to have lost feathers from around her vent. I haven't seen any soft eggs, but wonder if it might be mites? Any suggestion would be gratefully received!

 

George

[chelsea]

Sorry to hear she is poorly.

 

It could be any number of things and not coming out of the eglu is a sign she is not feeling herself bless her.

 

I would check her over for lice, especially the vent area. You would clearly see them if she is infested - they look like grains of rice.

 

Has she been wormed recently? If not a course of flubenvet would not do her any harm.

 

The missing feathers could be the start of a moult or mini moult, my lot are moulting at the moment so are not laying and are not as hungry as they ususally are when laying, so your hen could possibly be starting a moult aswell. Rinsed tuna and extra mealworms are a good source of protein during a moult.

 

If you have any Avipro it's a great "pick me up" for under the weather hens.

 

If you are still concerned and she is still not coming out of the eglu or eating I would recommend a trip to the vet, as she maybe hiding something more serious. I hope she picks up soon.

[sandyhas3chucks]

vet

[cluckingmad]

I agree, vet. Poor girl, and poor you - its horrible when they're poorly *hugs*

[Egluntyne]

Has she been wormed.

[Scoobs]

One of mine has been told she has a kidney infection and she has runny white mucus and chalk like poo dripping from her bottom although she has been laying regularly. Sounds like the vet is the best option. Mine is on antibiotics and I'm hoping she will pick up soon.

[George Wolff]

Thanks for the tips/diagnoses. She laid a soft egg the following day and has now apparently fully recovered - no more white poo. Strange, but pleasing. I have wormed all three of ours as a precaution. Thanks again, George

[Egluntyne]

That is good news.

[cluckingmad]

glad to hear she's all good Our maggies decided to go off colour again todya, I also suspect a softy on the way!

[sandyhas3chucks]

it is their master plan.

"to keep us worrying"

glad it is all out!