Nesting box modifications in Eglu Go Up

[Mr Rhode Island Red]

One of my Plymouth Rock hens has become lazy and has developed slightly raspy breathing. In the morning she is slow and reluctant to go outside and when outside her behaviour could be classed as lazy. As Plymouth rocks are a very docile breed, they easily run to fat.

 

I personally believe the root of her problems is her weight and overeating habits. However it is not like you can put a hen on a diet or write up an excercise regime for her, so what do you suggest I do?

 

Thanks,

 

Mr RIR

[lindafw]

I hope this is all the problem is...can you control the feed you give out allowing your girls a feed whilst she is in quarantine? Or perhaps provide her with some exercise equipment

 

Also keep an eye on the colour of her comb...a heart condition will produce raspy breath and an inability to do much exercise...her comb (should this be a problem) will eventually take on a more crimson red tone...a purplish/bluey red

[Redwing]

Chickens, even docile breeds can get fat but its very uncommon for them to overeat really

 

If you are sure there is no medical reason for her weight gain then its worth separating her to see if she loses weight on a slightly restricted diet

 

You can also keep her on the move by placing food, water and coop as far apart as possible to encourage her to move between them, also you can keep her walking quite easily if you have time when she is free ranging.

 

If your run is fairly secure against vermin you can feed the chooks from the ground, I do this to keep my Wyandottes trim and muscled as the scratching keeps them on the move

[Plum]

I'd get her checked out, if her breathing is noisy she may have an infection.

[Egluntyne]

I doubt that she is lazy. She sounds ill. Could the apparent weight gain indicate peritonitis?

[The Dogmother]

I was wondering that too.

[chucknette]

Hi

 

I have a buff orpington doing exactly this as you discribe.

 

She is the last one out in the morning and does nothing but sit all day every day. I was quite worried about it but I have been observing her for a couple of weeks now and nothing has changed. I picked her up and checked her from head to foot and I can find nothing wrong. She is eating well and nothing is wrong at the other end. She is in the scrum for treats as usual but as soon as its all gone she sits down again.

 

I have come to the conclusion that mine is just lazy.

[Mr Rhode Island Red]

Peritonitis?

[Egluntyne]

Some info here from the FAQ section.

[sandyhas3chucks]

Sorry to reply with doom and gloom, but when one of mine did this I suspected peritonitis..

But was a massive tumour

Best get her checked out by a vet.

I hope for good news.