Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Jonesey]

I have 6 chickens 4 around 2 years old and 2 approx 1 year old. Recently one of my 2yr olds started acting very docile and kept herself away from the other chickens. She didnt eat for 2 days and just became an outsider.

 

Because of the frequent changes of weather, short days etc only 2 out of my 6 were laying on a daily basis so the fact that she didnt lay didnt bother me as yet.

 

After a couple of days I noticed a swriyly pink deposit in the nesting box, not sure who did it but I noticed the docile girl became more active and is now eating and mingling back with the other chickens.

 

I now have my 1 year old chicken behaving in the same manner, not running to food, walking slowly to a corner to be by herself, neck sunk into her puffed out body. Its as if she just cant be bothered!

 

Any ideas what shes going through and is there any tonics etc that would help?

 

Many thanks

[Egghead68]

Sounds like the first one laid a lash.

 

How long has the second one been like this? She could be ill or she could just have a softie or lash on the way. I would give her a health check and bring her inside to be on the safe side. She may need to see a vet if she doesn't perk up soon.

[Jonesey]

Hi Egghead68. googled Lash as I didnt know what it was....Yuk wish I hadnt now! I think you are right that it was someking of infection and a Lash deposit. My chickens are Hybrids and the net says its common in ex battery hens, old hens and Hybrids. Does this mean the girl wont lay again?

[Egghead68]

They usually lay OK after a lash.

 

How is the other hen doing?

[sandyhas3chucks]

They usually lay OK after a lash.

 

How is the other hen doing?

My ex bats never ok after starting to lay these meat lumps