[Marti]

I wish I could say that I didn't KNOW better, but I've had chickens before so I really ought to have turned away when I saw the things had poor beaks.

However, I had my son with me and these were very friendly pullets, apparently a cross of Light Sussex and RIR, so I thought they'd be good layers. Certainly, they were friendly.

But now they are about 28 weeks and I still only get an egg/day if I'm lucky. This, from THREE hens.

The beaks worry me a bit, though only 2 are really odd. They look almost as though they've been de-beaked, but not quite.  The third is okay.

They've been wormed with Verm-x (hope it works) and I did a recent inspection because I thought WHY AREN'T THEY LAYING.

Lice, for one thing. God knows what else.

I've dusted twice now with Diatom for lice and it may be working. I've never used it for lice before because I've never had chickens with lice. Does it work for lice?

And still this paltry egg most mornings, not all mornings.

Any advice?

marti

[jammy]

Ok Im not the most qualified here but here goes

From the sounds of it they just need a little TLC and they'll be fine.  Birds with problems with their beaks can have a little trouble preening so it may be why they have lice.  I used frontline on mine when they had them and it got rid of them really quickly, have a look at Aunt Sally's post on external parasites

Im sure their beaks will be ok aslong as they can eat and drink properly.
When mine had lice they did go off lay and actually mine didnt start to lay until they were 30 weeks - they are buff sussex.

Sounds like you are doing a good job on looking after them and once theyve got rid of their creepy crawlies and settled you'll be getting your eggs in no time.
Just think what could have happened to them if you hadnt had them - well done you!

[Foxy]

pics might help-sounds like from your description that the beaks may have have the end clipped to stop pecking?
If they had lice they have had red mite too which would affect laying as has already been suggested.
Continue with your regime and I am sure they wil start laying for you!