Chicken bald back

[AlisonH]

Having posted about hunched up chickens I have been searching for more info and now wonder if my 2 girls have egg drop syndrome. They haven't laid since the summer, both stopping around the same time and produced a few soft shells but then completely stopped. A few weeks ago they both had a big moult which they never had before. One was really grumpy but they both seem ok now. In themselves they seem fine although a little quieter than usual.

Could it be egg drop syndrome and if so can they be treated for it? Will they be OK?

I'm also wondering how they got it as what I've read suggests contact with other birds that have it but they haven't had any contact other than garden birds?

[Egluntyne]

Have you wormed them with Flubenvet recently

[AlisonH]

yes, a few weeks ago

[Sandychick]

It does sound like there is something not quite right with them especially if they are hunched (tails down??). Have you checked them for lice and mites? Have a really good look at the base of their feathers and check their house for any sign of mites too.

[AlisonH]

Thanks Sandychick, have started worming them again just in case, tails not down but Lottie very hunched today and not too interested in food. Charlie eating lots - I keep taking out warmed pellets in warm water to try and tempt them to eat as much as possible. Have kept up good look for mites etc since they stopped laying in Summer.

I hate it when they get ill.

[Sandychick]

It is so sad when they are unwell I'm not really sure what else to suggest I hope they are feeling better soon, and the dose of Flubenvet sorts them out. If they get any worse it might be worth a trip to the vets. Good luck x

[AlisonH]

Am worming them again and (fingers crossed) seem a little better, have certainly eaten more today. Is so hard to tell though when I'm leaving in the morning and it's still dark and then they're back in the coop by the time I get home. Will have a good look Thursday as I'm not working. Am also going to get some of the ground sanitiser stuff, never used it before.

[AlisonH]

Thank you Sandychick! Having wormed the girls this week they are looking so much brighter and eating and drinking well. I feel bad that it was worms but because I had already wormed them I had dismissed the idea.

do you think I should worm them again in a few weeks just to check they haven't been re-infested?