Sick hens please can you help?

Hi

I have 2 white hens and 3 brown ones.  The problem is that the 2 white ones (they are about 30 weeks old and have not started to lay yet - nor the brown hens) have very red/sore back ends, and they don't want to move around or eat anything.  They are fat hens though, and I have tried to get their weight down with no success (the brown hens are fine and fairly slim). Can anyone help with a diagnosis?? These white hens are really pets not for eggs.

Many thanks

Bob

Hi , like Joy says we really need photos. How long have they been like this? If they are pets then why not pop them along to the vets, they may need antibiotics.

I think I'd cut out the corn for now, and try and get them eating layers pellets.

Some of mine sleep in nest boxes too, and it does mean extra work for me to keep the boxes clean and dry.  But it has to be done.  If they are sleeping in nasty conditions, that could be the reason skin is sore.

I use hemcore as bedding.  And sometimes add a wadge of newspaper underneath for insulation and even more absorbancy.

You must pick the poo out of the nest boxes every day, including any damp bedding.

I also use Stalison F as a dry disinfectant everytime I change the nest box bedding, which is at least once a week.

Alternatively, you could just block off the nest boxes, and try to get them to perch?  I'm a bit indulgent with mine because they are retired battery hens.

Think I be getting them in for a wash round the sore bits, and perhpas apply some antiseptic cream.

If in doubt, then it has to be the vets.  Perhaps you could speak over the phone if journey is long?

Many thanks for all your replies you have been a great helps, as always.  What is hemcore and arboise I have never heard of this!!!!
I must admit I have been a bit lazy these last few weeks as it has been difficult to get to the hen house with snow up to 9 feet deep, but I will get it done every day. (no more snow now till next year!!!)
I am not sure what I feed them really, I asked the merchants for a layer feed and he sells me crumbles (the label says for eggs!!!!) but all is happening is that the 2 white ones are getting fatter and fatter, they have difficulty in walking now. I try to cut out most things to try and get some weight off them but not succeeded yet, they weigh about 7 kilos each.

do you know what sort of hen they are it sound to me that they are cobbs or some other of that type and that is possibly why they are having trouble to walk

Just to let you know, both my white hens died this morning. Apparently they died of heart failure and their lungs filled with water which made it impossible to breathe. And at only 30 weeks old

Many thanks for your replies and help

Bob