Omlet cube and run

[Nelmel]

Hello, I got 3 rescue hens 10 days ago from the BHWT and all started well. I was getting an egg off each one for the first 4 days and then for the last 6 days one appears to have stopped completely, one is every other day and one is laying every day. I can tell from the size and colour.

 

I also have had a puffy hen for the last 3 days. and now a second one has started to puff too! By puff I mean puffing her feathers. At first I didnt think it was anything serious since she was still eating and running around (I thought she might be egg bound but she seemed mobile and her normal self) Today she seems to be a bit subdued. The second one is still running about but has started to puff her feathers too. Im wondering whether one is egg bound and the other might be. Would that explain that one has totally stopped laying and one has only laid twice in the last 6 days? I have them on Ex Battery Crumb mixed with a bit of grit. Ive put liquid calcium in their water. They have been eating mealworm off me as a treat. Ive let them free range a short while each day under my supervision. I dont know if Im doing anything wrong? I genuinely cant feel any 'stuck' egg either. Any thoughts are welcome!

[jimnpaula]

Not sure about the hunching up, but they probably will stop laying for a bit. Sudden changes in environment can put hens off lay for a while, and your ex batts now have to keep themselves warm and walk about to find their own food. It may be that now their energy expediture has gone up they're just more tired They do get fitter after a time.

 

Paula

[Nelmel]

Thanks I hope so:)

 

Didn't want to chance it so took her to the vet today who said she is either needing calcium or has bronchitis She has stopped eating so I'm fearing bronchitis. He gave her a shot of calcium in any case so if she doesnt perk up then I will assume it's bronchitis. I hope the other two havent caught it - the one that was puffing her feathers seemed to be running round today okay and the other one is mega fast zipping around so no signs of illness so far.

 

It's horrible thinking that all three might get ill and die so quick but I'm going to stay positive and try and get them out and about as much as possible in case it's the last days