loopyloulabell Posted January 7, 2014 Share Posted January 7, 2014 Sorry if Ive posted this in the wrong place, wasnt sure what It should come under. Ive got 2 hybrids in a 3m eglu and run who are attempting to survive the nasty wet weather. They've been confined to the run for the last few weeks for a virarity of reasons inc no garden fence and long hours at work and low and behold is has turned into a bit of a mud bath. Its bark covered with a section that is paved however Ive become concerned more about my girls feathers and general mud coverage which seems to have matt ed them and given them a general wet all the time look. Mostly around their lower half, vents and oddly across their br ea sts which are looking a bit bare. They appear well in themselves, eating, drinking, singing away although are looking a little less full than they were. Am I just worried unecessarly and should just shove them in a bath and let them get on with it or should I be worried? Sorry for the stupid questions and thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandychick Posted January 7, 2014 Share Posted January 7, 2014 It's not good weather for chickens at the moment A few things might help though. Do they have a dust bath? If not that might explain the feather condition. It might be worth putting down a fresh layer of bark to combat the mud (or hardwood chips would be better in this weather). Also do they have anywhere to perch off the ground? It's quite nice for them to be able to get their feet out of the mud for a while! It would be worth checking that there isn't any other cause. I would give them a good check over for lice etc, and check the eglu for any sign of red mite too. Lets hope the rain stops soon - I think all our hens and muddy chicken runs would appreciate a few sunny days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Hard wood chips get less gunky than bark which can get really soggy and then harbour spores. From your description however I do wonder if it is mud on your chooks back ends or if they have not got runny bots having picked up something from the wet conditions. This would make them thinner than usual. I think I would try to dry things up this weekend by replacing the the bark with dry wood chips and putting a cover over the top and sides of your run (a cheap shower curtain works wonders), and would then make sure I gave good quality layers pellets and no greens for a week. You could also put in a small log or attach a branch across the run so they have something to stand on out of the wet. If you do give them a bath, make sure you dry them off well with a hair dryer on a low setting. My chooks love this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
