Millihelen Posted June 7, 2011 Share Posted June 7, 2011 All four of our 3 yr old Pepperpots have stopped laying. They went down to just about 1 per day between them then a couple of weeks ago, stopped completely. They seem to be spending a lot of their day just sitting around in dustbath hollows - but not in the nesting box. Could it be old age or just broodiness? They look healthy enough. One seems more lethargic than the rest - I picked up her up this morning and she looked/felt OK as far as I could tell. However, when I dropped her to the ground (from a height of a few inches) she sort of flopped into her undercarriage instead of onto her feet as normal. Anybody have any thoughts? I have just finished a week of worming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceychristie Posted June 7, 2011 Share Posted June 7, 2011 Are the eating? Poops ok? Moulting? If you've just wormed them, then that should be covered. When was the last egg laid? Our's rarely go to the house except to lay, as they love the big outdoors. Even if it rains! I've had to blow dry them Soggy hens smell nice Stacey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 7, 2011 Share Posted June 7, 2011 I would be concerned about peritonitis in your older hen (or abdominal tumour). Gently feel her abdomen for any tightness of fluid. You could also do this with your other non layer as they are the right age to be at risk. You could Flubenvet worm them if they haven't been done in the last 3-4 months and also check them over for lice and mites. I assume that you are feeding pellets or mash and not too many treats or s"Ooops, word censored!"s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millihelen Posted June 7, 2011 Author Share Posted June 7, 2011 I wondered if the really lethargic one (Deco) was just broody as when I went back to them later she was in the nesting box. She did get broody last summer. However - when she came down the steps, she seemed to stumble on the last "jump" to the ground. I took them some treats (corn and mixed grit!) - Deco was last to get to the bowl. I picked her up and had a good feel around, but I couldn't feel anything - but I noticed she has lost a lot of feathers on her chest and the feathers below her vent are very mucky. I gently dropped her to the ground and her legs seemed to give way again. Must be 2 weeks since any eggs from any of them (4 girls) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 7, 2011 Share Posted June 7, 2011 If you at all unsure I'd pop her to the vet and put her gently to the ground when putting her down as she obviously has some issues either with her strength or balance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
