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

[blackgold]

I have finally managed to get back onto the forum after 6 months or so away xxx So sorry to bring bad news. Daisy and Jimina passed away just before Christmas and now it looks like Oopsy is going to as well. She is now nearly 4 years old and for an ex battery chicken that is supposed to be quite good, as their little bodies are used up in the system. She stopped laying a few months aog and has slowed dwon a lot these past few days. She still looks a picture of health, red comb, clean bottom and bright eyed but she is huddling out of the wind with her eyes closed, didnt want to stay out in the garden and hasnt eaten much today. I have had a good look and cant see anything really obvious but she only has a half full crop and wouldnt even eat her favourite treats. I know in my heart that this is her time but at least she has had 2 years of freedom with me.

[brambles]

I'm so sorry to hear this. My girl was pts yesterday and it was a terrible shock. You have some time with your girl in her own environment and will be able to make her comfy.

I hope that it might just be an 'under the weather day' - don't give up hope. xx

[Plum]

Hello again. She has done well having a long retirement with you, hope she picks up.

[Egluntyne]

Might be worth worming her.

[blackgold]

She seems a bit brighter this morning. I gave her some live white maggots yesterday and will worm her today if she is still ok. I found her in the nest box and she has laid an egg !!!!It is semi soft shelled so have given her some calcium powder in the treat bowl, which she has eaten with relish . I dont give mine layersfood anymorebecause they are ex battery hens and I am trying to get the other 3 that I rescued in December chance to build their bodies up. I wanted them as pets not as egg producers. They do lay though but out of 5 I get 2 eggs a day. I asked for the poorlie ones at the rescue because I have the facilities here to nurse them. I lost one within 3 days but she was very very ill but the other 3 have recovered well. One had a large wound on her leg, one had a chest infection and the other 2 were swollen with fluid. None of them could walk for the first week.I have a new walk in, roofed run and will post some pics when I get a minute , thanks for your replies and concern for her. x

[Plum]

You're a star taking on the poorly ones to give them a lovely life. Hope they do well and you must be learning a lot through it. Shall know who to come to.

[scarlettohara]

What a lovely home you have given them - I hope your chook improves

[blackgold]

Oopsy made a full recovery and is laying again about every 3 days, she came over the road to my friends house today to show some guests how exbatts can look after awhile. I took Hilda as well who I rescued in December very ill and bald so she still is a bit scraggy. so a before and after pair. They stay in a spare eglu and run while they are over there.