Wanted Please - Harrogate / York / Leeds area

[fantasticjudyann]

I went to collect the eggs as usual and give them their greens and Florence didn't come to meet me as she usually does. She was all hunched up with ruffled feathers and very lethargic She had a few sips of water but wouldn't eat the treats I put down for them.

 

I thought she might be crop bound so I massaged the crop area but couldn't feel a blockage. So I've brought her inside in the cat basket with some water and put her somewhere warm.

 

She was absolutely fine yesterday so Im wondering if she's egg bound. There was an egg missing this morning. I usually get 3 eggs from 3 chooks.

 

I don't thinks it's worms- I'm in the process of worming at the moment anyway.

 

I've got an appointment at the vets later but I don't want to make a fuss about something that might prove to be simple.

 

Any ideas would be very welcome.

 

 

Thanks

[chick wiggle]

Could it be shes trying to lay a softee maybe? sometimes that makes them feel a bit yukky and as soon as they've laid it they're fine.

Will keep my fingers crossed for you Good luck

[chelsea]

I was going to suggest soft shelled egg also, it will leave them "dazed and zoned out" for 24 hours or so until the egg is passed, once it's out she will be right as rain.

 

Keep an eye on her though.

[fantasticjudyann]

Thanks Chick and Chelsea

 

I definitely think it's an egg problem of some sort. Anyway she seems happy enough in the cat box in the warm so I may cancel the vet for today and keep an eye over the next 12 hours or so.

 

BTW if its a soft egg problem isn't that caused by lack of calcium? Normally the shells are as hard as rock so I'm inclined to think she's egg bound with a really big egg. We have had a couple of those recently. Will she lay it eventually do you think or will she need a caesarean

 

Seriously though I hope she's not in pain

[chelsea]

If you are really concerned and have the vets appointment anyway you could still take her for an examination just to put your mind at rest.

 

Is she relatively new to laying? If so - softies are common at the beginning until they get the swing of things. If she is an established layer you may want to try some limestone flour in with their pellets and ensure they have access to plenty of grit.

 

Let us know how she goes.

[fantasticjudyann]

No she's been laying beautifully ever since she came into lay at the beginning of December and there's always grit in the run.

 

I have cancelled the vet for this evening and made another for tomorrow pm. I'll just wait and see I think But I am a bit concerned nevertheless. I hope I'm doing the right thing

[chick wiggle]

Limestone is a good idea too, add some CLO, it helps them absorb the minerals they need. But dont give it all the time.

Hope she sorts herself out soon

[fantasticjudyann]

Hey Omleteers

She has just laid a softie so you were right

 

Thank you so much for all your help- no need for the vet tomorrow

[chelsea]

Phew!

 

Sometimes a hen can get a "phase" of softies occasionally. She'll be fine now.