Is your dog's unusual barking a secret code for something mysterious?

[blueandwhite]

Hi I was away last weekend and took my two chooks back to the place they came from to be looked after. They were housed as 'holiday hens' in their own stable. We got them in April and this is the first time everyone was away at the same time. They seemed fine, both on the journey there and back, the lady who looked after them also said they were 'as good as gold'. They have been their usual selves - eating, pooping, drinking, generally destructive! But they haven't laid an egg since Monday when they came home; prior to this they both laid one most days. I realise we have upset them, but should I be worried and if so what can I do please?

[Olly]

Well, I doubt if there is anything you can do, as such - if there was a way to make hens lay, we'd all want to know it! However -

 

Were they fed anything different while they were away, do you know?

Have they been wormed recently? If not you could try that - it's possible they may have picked up worms in a strange place, although the timescale is a bit short for it to be a serious problem

 

I'd cut back on treats, worm them if appropriate, and cross your fingers. If they are purebred hens (as opposed to hybrid) they may not lay through the winter, and now the days are shorter, they could just be winding down for a rest.

[figarogir1]

Mine were the same after they holidayed at my mums they were back to normal within a couple of weeks though. I think it must just have been the travelling and change of routine - although my mum had been on the Internet when they stopped laying every day during the second week with her and had diagnosed them with all sorts of weird things

[blueandwhite]

okay thanks they get wormed first few days of each month so will wait and do that beginning of November. No treats for a while then. Not sure what they were fed but bound to be different. Poor things! At least they seem happy. Thanks for advice

[Steve the Gas]

Imo, it's just the moving and new surroundings stress...

[Chucky Mama]

okay thanks they get wormed first few days of each month

 

Doesn't sound like Flubenvet (only UK licensed chicken wormer) - would be worth giving them a course if you haven't done so already.

[blueandwhite]

It's Verm-X, is that no good? Oh dear I've been using this since I got them, it was recommended by the lady I got them from.

[figarogir1]

Verm x is a preventative so makes it less likely that they will get worms but it is a good idea to use flubenvet a few times a year as well just in case as this kills any worms if they have picked them up it isn't too difficult - you just mix it in with their food for 7 days. I use verm x all year and then flub in the spring and autumn - although it is recommended 4 times a year. Hope this helps!

[blueandwhite]

Right thanks will get some of that for them.Yes all helpful stuff.