Unsecure chicken perches

[Stedic]

Just got back from a night shift and went down to see the girls. One started laying over the weekend, have had an egg a day since Friday but nothing today, which wasnt too troubling. Then I spotted a softie in the run, which looked kind of fresh (was broken but not eaten), so I figured maybe that was her for the day.

 

Just before going to bed I noticed she'd gone into the nest box, so I waited up for an hour to see what she was doing. She came out after a while (30- 40 mins) without laying....though I did find another small egg in the woodchip (which I guess is older, it was small and dirty). I put some plastic eggs into the nest box about 4 days ago, so I think perhaps she's been laying before that then covering them up when scratching in the woodchip, silly girl. The front of her comb is a bit dark too, but then it always has been a little bit dusky.

 

For the time being I need to get some sleep so I'm going to leave her to recover a bit - but if she's still the same later do you think a trip to the vet is in order? Any ideas what it could be?

 

 

Steve

[miller30]

Hi i wouldnt take her to the vets sometimes when they first start to lay they are all over the place i remember my light sussex use to lay normal then softies maybe a couple aday sometimes and when they lay softies they are a bit quiet and off for the day then hopefully back to normal the next i would just keep an eye on her as long as shes not all hunched up and off her food she should be fine leanne.

[Stedic]

I've had them out for a FR this afternoon (in between rain showers).

 

I noticed a lot more poo in the run that usual, a few yellow ones but nothing horrific. The mixed grit holder has definately been raided, I used to fill it up about once a fortnight, I've now done it for the second time this week! Sorting out her calcium I suppose.

 

No more eggs today and Cybil is still making a bubbly gurgling sort of noise at times, but she seems a little brighter and was wandering about looking for food. I did spot a few louse eggs in one of their tails, so I tried to get some diatom into the area. I've not got any louse powder at the moment but I'll order some online later.

 

I'll keep a close eye on them both for the next couple of days, hopefully they'll get back to normal!