ruby40 Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Amber has not laid since February having previously being a regular layer. She is 2 1/2 year hybrid. I have tried everything I can think of from worming with Flubenvet to increasing calcium in her diet.She gas grit and cider vinegar in her water. There are no signs of infestation but I have noticed in the last few days that the area below her vent is getting very pooey, I am having to bathe her every three or four days to keep her clean. She is also drinking more and when I cleaned the eglu today there was a much stronger urine type smell and the bedding much wetter than usual. She is lively , her crest is lovely and red and she is eating well and quite happy I just can't work out why she has stopped laying and producing such mucky droppings. My other two hens have also stopped laying since end of February but have no other symptoms. Would be grateful for any suggestions or advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 This sounds very similar to one of my girls. She's had a mucky bottom for weeks and I've been having to regularly wash her. She hasn't laid since her moult but apart from that, seems to behave fairly normally. I've had the strong urine smell in the poo trays too- must be down to her runny droppings. I've been trying to get to the bottom (excuse the pun ) of this for weeks (see my thread below)... I brought forward their worming with flubenvet and bought some avipro to add to their porridge of bran and yoghurt. They also have cider vinegar in their water and lots of grit and limestone powder. None of these things have made much difference to her, so I decided to send off some poo samples to Retfords last week. I rang them on Monday, and they said that they had found 'mild Brachyspira'. She said it's fairly common and can be treated with a medicine in their water. Apparently they catch it from wild birds. I've tried to find out a bit about it online, but couldn't find much info... just waiting for them to send me the written report so that I can go and get some of the medication form my vet. I'm hoping that once I've got the meds, that she'll be on the mend! By the way- the lady at Retfords said that even though my other girls aren't showing any symptoms, that I should treat them too. Hope this is of some use to you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruby40 Posted April 7, 2011 Author Share Posted April 7, 2011 Thankyou, I would be very interested to hear the diagnosis. I have not had need for a local vet so I will have to start hunting for one if I need some diagnosis and treatment. I would also be interested in what sort of fees they charge so that I have a guide to know what they may be asking in this area.My hens are precious little friends but at least I can be a little forewarned!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
