Locking Bar Eglu Classic

[sage]

Just had 2 girls within 10 days with bleeding vents. Mavis the other week now Vera has a wound. I cleaned it up and popped her in the cat basket till I can get some more purple spray.

Anyone got any ideas as to why it's happening and how I can stop it.

Have kept a close eye on them after Mavis was hurt but I have know idea as who is doing it. No signs of bullying.

Had a few shelless eggs been layed and Mavis & Vera are usually the girls to lay them. I was wondering if the other girls are seeing a bit of shell coming out the vent and having a peck to get at it?. They have plenty to do in the run, cabbages an pecka balls to have a go at.

Im at a loss as to why this has suddenly started so any advise will be helpfull.

 

Sage

[The Dogmother]

It may be that they are attracted by a bit of egg membrane poking out, but also it could just be the sight of a pulsing vent as the hen struggles to lay a softie.

 

You really need to act quickly to save those hens - get a bumper bit on the bully and isolate her for 48 hours to give the others a rest. Some limestone flour and cod liver oil in the feed may well sort out the soft shell issue.

 

Only yesterday I had to despatch a hen for someone after it had had its vent pecked very nastily by their other hen; unfortunately it was beyond repair and fatal if left.

[sage]

It may be that they are attracted by a bit of egg membrane poking out, but also it could just be the sight of a pulsing vent as the hen struggles to lay a softie.

Think you are right, no sign of vent pecking. The problem I have now is Veras wound opens up every time she lays. I check it each morning and clean it if needed. She has purple spray on her vent. Is there any thing I can put on the wound. I wish she wouldn't lay for a few weeks it give it time to heel.

 

Sage

[The Dogmother]

I'd clean it up and spray some of that spray on plaster over it to see if that will encourage it to heal. If it's a split, then the vet may need to pop a stitch in to help it close.

[Plum]

It's probably scabbing over and will split when stretched. I would try some cream like sudocrem to keep the scab soft.

[sage]

Thanks for the ideas, she dose have a large scab on her vent. I have plenty of sudocrem so will cream her bum in a morning.

She hasn't layed all week till this morning so she got told off whilst I cleaned her bum.

Cheers

Sage

[The Dogmother]

Have you got her segregated or is she with the others?

 

I'd switch her onto growers feed in an attempt to stop her laying until it is healed.

[sage]

As there wasn't any sign of bullying and she is smelling of Ukadex and has a purple bum I left her in with the others, I will try them all on growers they all could do with a rest from laying still getting 4-5 eggs a day from 6 ex bat girls.

 

Thanks Claret

 

Sage