monstermunch Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Hi everyone, I have 2 things which I was hoping someone might be able to advise me on! Firstly, one of my 4 ex-batts seems to have developed a sneeze, I read in my book about mycoplasma but she doesn't seem to have any other symptoms at the moment, is still laying and is as mischievous as ever (which brings me to my next point...), what should I be looking out for as a sign of something wrong and what can I do to treat the sneeze if that's all it is? At the moment I'm putting poultry spice in their food and ACV in the water. Secondly, all 4 of them are being rather naughty at the moment and are doing anything they can to get out of the run and into the garden (I had them jumping out of the nesting box this morning), and everytime I go down to see them they scream at me. I try to let them out as much as I can but we know there are foxes around so I won't let them out unless someone is out there with them, both me and the OH work long hours so it tends to be weekends and sometimes in the evening; but with this behaviour I just feel so guilty! I bought a run extension to give them more room, can anyone suggest anything else that I might not have thought of? Is this usual behaviour and is it wrong to keep them shut in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennym Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Hi Monstermunch, Don't know much about mycoplasma or other illnesses, sorry. Mine also desperately try to get out when they see me but I keep them in because, like you, I know the fox would have them one day if they were unprotected (we have loads of foxes around here). As long as your ladies have enough run space (minimum of 1 square metre per hen is usually recommended) they will be okay. You could try to put some things in the run to amuse them - hang a head of cabbage, put in some perches etc. I know it's hard when they're so frantic when they see you, but I bet when you AREN'T watching, they are absolutely fine. And given that they are ex-batts, rest assured that what you're giving them is much better than what they came from - don't feel guilty, feel proud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
