Sooo much pooping

[Stedic]

Hello all,

 

Time for me to consult with your superior knowledge again!

 

I've had my two girls for 7 weeks now, and despite TLC, a shiny Eglu, an new extension for their run, treats and the occasional threat involving ovens I have had no eggs! When I bought them I was told they were about 2 - 4 weeks away from laying. I haven't been too concerned though, as its been hot. My Blue has got a good sized comb now, though its a sort of dusky colour. She's been crouching on and off for about two weeks too. My copper black doesn't crouch and her comb is still tiny, plus she's a lot smaller in general so I think she's younger than we thought.

 

Over the past week they've started having a significantly higher number of curry poos, which are getting quite frothy too. My Blue also has a fairly mucky bottom, which she's always had but is much worse the last couple of days. I thought they'd OD'd on cabbage and greens, but as its been going on a while I've started to give them a worming treatment, I though this and the heat might also explain the lack of eggs. They both seem perfectly happy in themselves and love scratching around in their woodchip etc (and throwing it in their glug, grr).

 

My questions: If this doesn't solve the egg problem in about a fortnight is it worth nipping them to the vet for a quick check over? Do I need to clean the Blue's bottom feathers, or will she do this herself later? Are there any side effects of Flubenvet I should be aware of, like stranger droppings etc?

 

 

Thanks for any help,

 

Steve

[C&T]

Personally, I wouldn't worry.

 

If they are happy, they are probably fine.

 

And while you may know (or suspect you know) how old your chooks are, I suspect they don't keep track, and will only start laying when they are good and ready! The fact that one is crouching is a good sign, and hopefully it won't be long!

 

Re mucky bums... if very bad then yes, a quick wash might be in order if she'll let you. Worming is always sensible, and a good thing to do. Doesn't normally give funny poo's that I know of? I find ours drink a lot more in the heat, and that can sometimes make their poo's a bit runny.

[Chucky Mama]

You are doing the right thing by Flubenvet worming them.

[Redwing]

i would give the blue a quick wash, there is a danger of flystrike in this weather

 

If she is drinking a lot in the hot weather that would go some way to explaining the runny poo but the worming should help if there is a worm problem

 

They will lay in their own merry time - the egg laying start time can be anywhere between a two month or so bracket - hens sold as 'point of lay' are usually just shy of the start of this period so in reality can still be some way off laying

[littlehenny]

Personally, I'd cut back on the treats for a bit - when treating with flubenvet you're not supposed to give them anything else other than the layers pellets than you've put it in. So no more greens/cabbage or anything else for a while Keep their diet simple, worm them and see how it goes. It has been very warm and a lot of hens will go off lay for a while until they adjust to the heat. I always find my hens lay better when it is cool/damp than hot/sunny. I'm sure you'll be getting plenty of eggs soon. Chickens, like humans are pretty unpredictable creatures!!!!