[George987]

Hi, I have 3 chickens & 2 of them are suddenly very lifeless, not eating, haven't laid any eggs today but one of them is drinking. The other chicken is fine. Any ideas what we can do to find out the problem? Thanks.

[Vember]

Hi George Welcome to the Hen House

How old are they? Do they usually lay everyday with no problems?

Are they showing any other signs of illness? Have you by any chance noticed their poops?
Sneezing or runny nose or eye's?

Sarah

[cathangirl]

Hello George,
Welcome to the Forums.
You say two of your girls are lifeless.  How long have they been like that?  A matter of hours, or all day?
Could they just be dustbathing?  Mine lie in all sorts of positions and don't move unless they think I have a treat for them.
Hens don't lay every day - on average 5 eggs each per week.
How old are your girls?  Any other symptoms?  Pics might help.
If in doubt, you could check with your vet.
Good luck.
cathangirl

[George987]

They are aroud 10 months old and have been like it today, all day. No other symptoms are showing, poo seems ok. One has just been drinking but hasn't moved from the spot (standing up). Could this be egg retention? We'd like to avoid a money grabbing vet if poss! We usually get 3 eggs each day, although I know this isn't going to be 365 days of the year. It took them quite a while to get started!

[Vember]

It could be a couple of things George

It could be they are about to pass a soft shelled egg, although strange for two to do it at the same time
These eggs really seem to drain chickens but once they are passed then they perk back up
Do they have access to oyster shell and grit?

Other thing is check their crops first thing in the morning they should feel empty Do they free range or are they in a run? What type of bedding material do you use in the nest boxes?
Reasons I ask long grass and hay can cause crop problems


Sarah