Ex-batt snow fans

[Icemaiden]

My ex-batts didn't seem too fazed by the snow last week (apart from their egg production dropping off a bit). The first time that I brought them a warm mash (layers' mash, water & a softie egg) they weren't interested & I had to add mealworms & hand feed it to them, but the second time they couldn't get enough of it!
Here they are enjoying it...


Here you can see how well Varta's feathers are regrowing


and here's Energizer just looking cute


I can see why not many people post photos on here; it's a real pain. Sorry if you've got the same photo 4 times or in the wrong place... :evil:

 

[NEWTODUCKS]

Good to see them out and about despite the weather. My hens wont go near the snow and stay inside when it's like this or raining. I've had no eggs for months either-you're doing well!

 

[foxy]

They are lovely photos! Good to see the hens looking so well..

 

[Icemaiden]

Thanks Foxy. 'Fraid Energizer isn't herself at the moment though; she laid a softie in 2 installments on Thursday & Friday & had egg yolk on her bottom; she's a bit hunched & sorry for herself at the mo. I had to hand feed her some mealworms this morning, lightly dusted in poultry spice in the hope of boosting her immune system.

I'm just not convinced that putting her into a cardboard box & driving her halfway across Kent to a vet that knows something about hens is the best way to go; that's the last thing I'd want done to me if I felt grotty...

 

[Marigold]

Great to see them, Icemaiden, especially Millie, wh looks really well- equipped for snow and no doubt told the others all about it. Yes I think you're right about Energiser - she may have an internal problem which no vet could help with by medication. Sadly, quite common among older hens coming towards the end of a highly productive life. If she had visible egg yolk on her vent that's not a good sign, as if a soft egg breaks inside her, it could lead to peritonitis. This condition would inevitably be fatal, and painful, so some hard decisions may be ahead I'm afraid.

 

[Icemaiden]

Ouch. Thanks for the warning Marigold; I certainly don't want her to suffer.
She ate her layers' mash today though, & went out for a half-hearted free range, which is more than she did yesterday, so I'm hoping that she's on the mend. I'll keep a close eye though.