Mrs Dabooka Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 Hello all, I'm looking for a spot of advice. Yesterday we had a rather scary incident with a possible attempted weasel attack. My hen Ethel is now a little out of sorts. I think she has laid a shell less egg today and now she is not really eating or drinking. She's had a little water today with encouragement, but she's just standing there. I can't see anything obviously wrong with her. I have put her back in the coop away from the other hens, with food and water. I didn't know is she needed some 'alone time' and she wasn't hanging around with the other girls as usual. Is this right? Any advice about what I should do with her? I'm really worried about her and I'm new to chickens so not sure if this is normal after such an event. Thanks for your help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 Poor Ethel is probably severely traumatised. If the others aren't being unpleasant to her I would be inclined to leave them together. Enforced seperation may be stressful for her. I would keep a close eye her, especially the eating and drinking as you don't want her to get dehydrated. See if you can tempt her with some weetabix mash (made with water) or porridge (again made with water). They can feel pretty rubbish when shellless or soft eggs are laid. This is not unusual after a shock. They do however usually pick up very quickly afterwards. There is no right or wrong way re seperation, I know that mine would rather be together for reassurance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Dabooka Posted October 7, 2010 Author Share Posted October 7, 2010 Thank you. I've managed to get some fluids in her and given her a bit of TLC. I've made them some mash with the crumb mix and she has had a little of that. They are all in bed now snuggled up. Thanks for your words of wisdom. Will keep my eyes on the lovely ladies tomorrow and make sure they are ok. I'm hoping my cats will get rid of the little terror causing my poor girls to get up set. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 I would give her a good look all over she may have a wound from the attack you haven't spotted that's infected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Dabooka Posted October 7, 2010 Author Share Posted October 7, 2010 I have given her a good check over and had a good feel around and all felt and looked OK. But I will give her another look over in the morning. Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking of getting an electric fence for the run area to prevent the nasty beasties. Any recomendations? Until my cats get the beast or we secure them a little better. I'm only letting them out when the dog is out or under supervision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
