[symonep]

I have a light sussex who is a lovely friendly hen. The last few weeks just after we lost one of her origional companions she laid a few double yolker eggs again (she did this when she first started laying) then a huge egg that was as big as my hand. she then laid a few shell less eggs then didnt lay for a few days and tonight laid another shell less egg.

She is 2 and a half and has laid an egg almost every day of her short life.
all hens have access to oyster shell and good quality pellets. I will try and cut down the treats but all they have is a lettuce or some cabbage with some corn or mealworms.
She is well in herself and eating well. she has developed a dirty bottom in the last few days which is a first for her.

Thanks

[joyfull]

try giving her a little bit of limestone flour - you can dip a moist treat such as a half a grape into it and hand feed it to her. Do this for about 7 days to see if she improves.

[symonep]

Ok thanks for the tip, where can you get this from?

[joyfull]

from either an auction site or a pet shop - they should sell it in the equine section and the reptile section. The equine section will though sell it in huge tubs and you only need a little amount.

[symonep]

we have both stores near by so will check out the reptile one first. thanks again

[symonep]

Aghhhh well today's development looks like she has gone broody again  now the dilems is do we get her some eggs to sit on or do I try many different thing to stop her being broody ( none worked last time!)

[joyfull]

before you hatch eggs please think about what you will do with any cockerels that hatch.

[symonep]

Yes already thought about that, we have had several hatch before and the cockerel went to live at a friends where they have no neighbours! We also have an allotment so if it came to it they could live there.

[joyfull]

the allotment law does not include cockerels - just hens I'm afraid, so if somebody complained you could be forced to get rid of any cockerels.

[symonep]

we (not me but others) have several cocerals on the allotment already. it isnt really near any houses so not sure anyone would complain. It is another option i guess.

[symonep]

Fertilised eggs ordered and literally the second I purchase the damn hen came out the coop and is not in the slightest bit broody :blink:
I have ordered an incubator and brooder so is there anything I need to know? I know about rotating the eggs as the incubator isn't automatic. We have somewhere for them to go once hatched but when can they be moved outside? We will build a coop with a secure run (or get a rabbit hutch with a secure run until they can go in with the other hens).
How many weeks do they stay inside and do they just have chick crum and a few treats or just crumb?

I will do a lot of research before they hatch but you are all so experienced I will get far more info from you guys 

[kegs]

Only got a moment I'm afraid but this is a really good thread to get you started....

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=52422.0

[symonep]

Only got a moment I'm afraid but this is a really good thread to get you started....

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=52422.0

thank you so much, will have a good read of that!

[Chicken_Lover]

Updates?

[joyfull]

I'm sure the original poster will update us as and when there is any news