russ Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 we have just bought 7 new chickens which are just about point of lay although we have not yet had any eggs. we have had them 3 weeks now. they are all different breeds. yesterday i went out to them with a few raspberrys to find that there was only 6 chickens, one was in the nesting box and did not come out for the raspberrys. i was hopful that she was going to lay. i kept watching for her to come out, which was about an hout later. unfortunatly there was no egg. since then she has looked very poorly. standing with her eyes closed, standing alone i also have not seen her eat or drink. we have tried to feed her and give water but with no luck. last night she did not go to bed, so we had to put her there. she has been checked for mite and lice. her comb is normal vent is ok, also eyes are ok. she does stand hunched and still. until yesterday she was very lively and seemed top of the pecking order. does anyone have any ideas. russ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 It is possible that she has her first egg on the way. It may be soft shelled which can make them miserable until it is passed. I would keep a close eye on her and she will need to see a vet is she hasn't picked up within 24 hours. It is worth checking her breathing and listen out for sneezing or bubbly eyes in case it is not egg related. You could also try and tempt her with some porridge or weetabix (made with water) - if she eats it it will boost her fluid intake a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witzend Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I love this forum - there's always someone/more than one who has the advice we're looking for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted June 10, 2011 Author Share Posted June 10, 2011 thanks for that, i will be keeping a close eye on her today. maybe she has been trying to lay but is not ready yet. russ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I'd agree that it sounds like a softy on the way, they are common in young pullets just starting to lay Check her crop is emptying at night just in case though keep an eye on her, if it lasts for more than a couple of days get her to a vet if you can If you have some wheat/corn soak some in water then feed that to her, very few birds can resist corn - it will hydrate her a bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
