[New Hampshire lover]

When I first had chickens I purchased five hens from a reputable breeder. One hen died after laying it's first couple of eggs and another on bonfire night. But now I'm getting worried as another hen is showing the same symptons as the others before they pass away. ( not moving around much, fluffed up and looking sorry for themselves) I really hope anyone can help put a stop to this madness!!
 
Thanks...

[Vember]

Can you give us a bit more info NHL?

How old are they?
breed?
Are they eating & drinking normally?
What do you feed them on?
Any other signs of ill health, poops normal? snuffles, sneezes, wheezing at all?
When did they last lay?
Crops empty first thing?


Sarah

[New Hampshire lover]

I had them about last May, and they were POL (2 Rhode Stars, 2 Amber Stars and one Black Rock) My unwell chicken is still eating I'm not sure about drinking. I feed them layers pellets with 2 slices of bread a day and my sick hen last laid 2 days ago. There's also some very weird white runny poo in the run and coop as well.

[Vember]

  I'm presuming the bread is damp when you give it? Dry bread can be a devil for hens to swallow.

Have you checked it's crop first thing before food? It should feel empty

Is the poop like any of these on here ?
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=17568.0

She might be egg bound Might be an idea to very gently have a feel from her vent down to her legs to see if you can feel an egg there.
The other possibility is egg peritonitis?

Do they have grit & oyster shell down at all times?


Sarah

[New Hampshire lover]

No I used to have grit for them and put it in their feed.  But not anymore. But what do I do if I feel an egg or what is egg peritontis.

[Vember]

They should always have access to grit & oyster shell, I have a dish of each down all the time and they go peck in it as and when they need

When Crumb was egg bound I oiled her vent, and then gave her a small piece of a calcium tablet. If you were to take her to a vet they may give a calcium injection which relaxes the muscles and helps the egg pop out

There is some more info here on helping out an egg bound hen
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=16574.0

Peritonitis is when they lay internally. I've no experience of this I'm afraid But would think if she's a pet then a trip to the vets may be necessary

Sarah