Locking Bar Eglu Classic

[whyde]

Hello,

 

Sadly one of my chickens, Fern, died this morning. She was fine yesterday but this morning she was standing very sill and breathing heavily and within an hour she was flat on her back. I have not yet examined her so I don't know what was wrong - and of course may never know unless I take her to the vet. I have popped her in the greenhouse - part of me is hoping she might suddenly recover - - - but of course that is just wishful thinking!

I have two questions - should I eat the eggs that she has laid - although she didn't lay any for a few days before she died...

Could it be that I have caused too much disruption in the coop - I have just separated my 4 year old broody hen Penny(only two days ago) and she is sitting tightly on some hatching eggs so the other chickens are in a separate house so they can't get to her. My other three (now 2) girls are not yet a year old and the two remaining seem in fine health and happily laid their eggs in their new home yesterday. It has been much colder lately and my husband was worried the chickens would not be warm enough but I can't believe the cold is to blame...

Has any one got any ideas?

 

Thank you

 

Wendy

 

[The Dogmother]

The eggs would be fine to eat, but you really do need to get her to the vets pronto if she is still alive.

 

It's impossible to tell from your description what the problem might have been, but the vet would advise and prescribe antibiotics for the rest of your flock if necessary.

[staceychristie]

Hens are very warm usually, and good to below freezing as long as their coop is clean and dry.

If the eggs are a few days old, they'll probably be ok, as you're going to cook them anyway.

Sorry you lost her.

 

(((((HUGS))))

 

Stacey

[whyde]

Thank you for your replies - Fern was most certainly dead so it was too late for the vet - but having now got used to her going I am looking forward to new chickens - Please see **this thread** for the full story.