snailsandchickens Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 This has been a very bad week for me and my chickens and I am so sad I lost one chicken to a trapped nerve/stroke we are not sure and today I went out to find one of my dear cream legbars dead help me I don't know what happened to here could some one tell me if they get egg bound what happens as this week she gave me a strange egg that was bulged in the middle and only smooth on one half we had no egg yesterday she is only about seven mths I got her at 20 wks and she has been laying for about four/five wks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Firstly, I am very sorry to hear your bad news, what an upsetting week for you When a hen is egg bound you normally see her moving slowly, tail down, often trying to lay but failing. It is possible for an owner to help by holding the hen over steaming water, or 'helping' with a lubricated finger - but this is only for experienced/confident owners as you can easily break the egg inside her. Another option is to go to the vet, they will help pass the egg manually by giving the chook something to relax her muscles if necessary. Although in many cases you can treat egg binding, there is nothing you can do to prevent it. I'm afraid its not really possible to tell what happened to your girl without more information or even a post mortem, but I would say, coming into lay is a very stressful time for a chicken, and unfortunately not all of them survive. I hope these 2 deaths are just one of those things, we all go through it, but the best thing you can do is closely observe any remaining chickens and if any start to exhibit unusual behaviour (eating/pooing/mobility) then ask for help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 I'm so sorry to hear your awful news . Sadly, it just sounds like one of those things. You probably couldn't have done anything to prevent it. If she'd only missed one day's laying, I would imagine it unlikely she was eggbound especially as she died so suddenly . I hope you won't let this put you off chicken keeping, you've just been really unlucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snailsandchickens Posted April 6, 2011 Author Share Posted April 6, 2011 Thank you I just went to investigate the run and found a rather black looking poo do you think that may mean an internal problem she has no marks on her that I can see and no blood in the run or coop she was fine this morning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snailsandchickens Posted April 6, 2011 Author Share Posted April 6, 2011 As I am now down to only four chickens I am not sure wether to introduce another two or stick at four bearing in mind the fighting that went on when I introduced the Cream Legbars! Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 So sorry you've had a bad spell. Quite a few of us have had it at one time or another and sometimes you just don't know why. Ceacal droppings can be dark so it's not necessarily an indication of a problem. Strange and rough shape eggs can turn up any time and also when there is infection or inflamation so it doesn't really answer any questions. The only way you could know was with a post mortem but it was a one off death so I wouldn't bother. I wouldn't let your difficulties introducing chickens put you off. There is always going to be some argy bargy while they sort out pecking order unless you are very lucky. I would be guided by the amount of run and coop space you have then make the decision. The run should allow at least 1 sq metre per chicken so I understand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snailsandchickens Posted April 7, 2011 Author Share Posted April 7, 2011 The run is big it's 8 meters square so plenty of room for another four if a wanted but six is ampel for us I think you are right I shouldn't let it put me off. I may go back to the lady I got her off and see is she has any more either that or I may try to get some who are already laying from a friend? Would that be a good idea to get a more mature chickens? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 I think it depends on how you are going to do the introductions. If you are going for the slow introductions then I don't think it matters what age as long as you wait until they are mature and ready. I got some at 8 and 10weeks and it was fun seeing them grow from being babies but they had their own section of the WIR. If you want a quick introduction then I feel you need to get them at least 18 weeks old. Have fun it'll make you feel loads better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
