Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[JM]

Bunty has only laid about 1 egg in about 5 weeks. She went through a partial moult a few weeks ago, and has been fine – eating well, feathering well, but she hasn’t seemed herself from Sunday afternoon. I can’t really put my finger on it as she is still eating and chasing corn, being nosy when we come down to the cube etc, but she’s not her normally zippy self – she’s a bit more lethargic. The others are fine (Winnie had her moult at the same time - but she is back to laying again now).

 

They all sleep in the nest box, and when I went to open the cube up this morning, there wasn’t much poo where she had slept – just one bit which looked a bit odd. It was dark so I was trying to look by torch light with Winnie telling me off - there was the usual white bit on top, but underneath it looked greeny coloured (more than usual) – couldn’t tell any more.

 

They had had the run of the bottom of the garden from Friday to Sunday, so had access to more greenery than they had had for a while. Could it be something to do with that, or maybe it’s just because it’s horrible and cold and damp here? Any ideas?

 

They are being confined to the run today – with pellets, pellet porridge and water. (I’ve put Lifeguard in the water). They are due to be wormed in the next week or so –should I do that sooner?

 

Thanks

 

Jill

[The Dogmother]

It could be her age (I couldn't see how old she is) or just the weather; some of mine are looking a bit lack lustre at the moment.

 

See if the worming helps.... you're doing everything else right

[JM]

Thanks. They are all about 18 months old (got them in June 08).

 

I'll dig out the Flubenvet this evening.

[The Dogmother]

So not their age then.

 

I'd keep an eye on her, worm them but try not to worry too much, mine all looked hacked off and miserable when i put them in the run at lunchtime.

[Redwing]

I'm with Claret, mine are looking down and cheesed off too I have had no eggs from my main pen since last Weds

[JM]

I've just had a report from OH - he's been down to see them a few times during the morning and each time Bunty has been in the corner under the cube (where I've got a cover). He says her tail and head are both down and she's looking hunched and sorry for herself. So she's definitely not right. He did say she came for mixed corn - but without her usual enthusiasm.

 

I've not picked her up for a few days, so I've not had a feel of her since then. She is smaller than the others, but she's usually the first in line for food! Unfortunately I'm at work at the moment and won't be back before they go up to bed - but I don't really want to hoik her out of the nest box and disturb her when i get back.

Edited December 15, 2009 by Guest

[The Dogmother]

Have a look at her then. If you can get hold of some Net-Tex Nutridrops, then try those Tasha and I both rate them.

[JM]

Update - OH just gave them some grapes and she was very enthusiastic about them! He said that she got half his finger as well - and had energy to stop the others getting her share!

 

I've just ordered those drops - thanks!

[Plum]

and don't worry about the greeny poo that is just her diet.

[JM]

Thanks. I looked in on them when I got home - they were all in the nest box - and Bunty was standing with her head tucked round into her back feathers, fast asleep, breathing deeply, so I didn't disturb her.

 

When I let them into the run this morning, she popped out as usual and made straight for the food. Here tail was up too, so I think she definitely feels better today. She laid her first egg in ages yesterday (71g) - so maybe it took her by surprise!