[BlackRockLovers]

I have 7, Black rock chickens all around the age of 18 - 19weeks, a few have been laying for a week or so now, no problems with them, but one of the hens that have been laying has gone rather depressive. she is still laying nice hard eggs, she layed a BIG one this morning, the kind that she is supposed to lay. but has been lethargic recently, not running to me for bread ect, i have been checking her crop everday before she goes to 'bed' and its been full, she hasnt been picked on, my girls dont fight or bully each other. if i offer her bread / corn / fruit / veg / basically anything she usually eats , she takes one peck at it then returns to her head tucked in and still ?? sorry its a long post, ive only had chickens since 15 april this year, these exact girls from 10wk old's and i love them to peices.

Christina

[carolbriar]

Hi, you mention lots of treat foods but not whether or not they are on layers pellets or mash. 
I don't know what could be wrong with your hen but potentially the big egg could have some bearing on her well being.  Have you checked her rear for any signs of a prolapse?  I would keep an eye on her today and see how she goes.  Someone else with more experience will probably come along and give you some more info.

[BlackRockLovers]

all my chickens are on Layers pellets and just checked her now, no sign of prolapse, but jsut found another large egg dnt thnk its from her though

[nicky d]

Feeding treats is ok but as long as there in small quantities and late afternoon,  i always give my girls a few treats late afternoon so i know they have filled up on layers all morning.   With regards to your girl, have you checked her over for mites/lice,  and also if they havnt been wormed it would probably be ideal now to worm them all with flubenvent.    Hope she picks up.  nickyx

[BlackRockLovers]

i tend to feed them on freerange till around 9pm ? then they are taken in to layers pellets till about 7-8am which is when i pick up the food again and allow them out, or they are * to get in
or is that not good? im new to chickens and had been reading many forums and people had said a routine is good for chickens so i made that routine up, seems to be working as they are laying very very nice eggs with hard shells even from day 1 of laying, all the eggs have been strong and very tasty 

[Casey76]

Layers pellets should be available freely all day, even when your hens are free-ranging.  Take them up over night - the chickens are alseep and wont eat them then, and they may attract vermin into the hen house.


As for your chickens looking depressed, well coming into lay - especially if they are laying large eggs - can take it out of a chicken.  They will perk up soon enough once they get into the swing of things.

[BlackRockLovers]

Ok thank you

[Jeanette]

It can take a lot out of a chicken to lay big eggs just give her a bit of time i am sure she will be ok. If i was a chicken and layed something that big it would make my eyes water as well.