Hello from SE London

[Salbunch]

Hi, I'm a newbie to the forum and chicken keeping. We've had our ex-battery hens about 3 weeks now and I was gettting really used to the lovely supply of fresh eggs when unfortunately one of them developed a bit of a cold and is now on antibiotics. This of course means that unless I witness who lays an egg, all eggs laid are having to be thrown away for the next 6 weeks, which is heartbreaking.
On the plus side however, they have been a very welcome addition to the family and a constant source of amusement and entertainment. Well worth the price of admission
I am about to change their flooring tonight from bark chippings on decking to Easibed on slabs. I'm hoping that this will prove less slimy in the rain...

I'm looking forward to joining in with all the discussions on here and gaining a mountain of knowledge at the same time.

 

[Marigold]

Hi Salbunch, and a big welcome to the Forum for you and your girls. I sympathise about the loss of eggs, but at least you have a good chance of sorting out her infection before it spreads to the others. Maybe, at least on some days, you' ll be able to see who has actually laid, and thus eat her egg, or not, as appropriate.
It's quite common for hens to go down with something shortly after moving home, as it's very stressful for them, especially exbatts who have such large adjustments to make in their lifestyle. Stress depresses their immune systems, so they fall prey to infections they might normally have resisted. I hope she'll be OK soon - they're very lucky ladies. How many have you got, and what are their names?

 

[Salbunch]

Hi Marigold, thanks for your reply. We have two girls - one named Sorrel who belongs to my daughter and one named Princess Cynthia Rose, she's mine.
Sorrel is the one with the cold. She had it when we collected her, and at fiirst seemed to be recovering but after a few days it seemed to come back with a vengeance and she started to lose weight so I shipped her down to the vet quick smart. She's eating fine and is perfectly lively and inquisitive, insisting on following me wherever I go, especially into the kitchen.
They are both the most fantastic fun and my daughter and I are completely besotted with them.

 

[Marigold]

Judging by the lovely names, this is a Cinderella story for your girls - at least their aristocratic status is at last being recognised, after having to slum it in a chicken farm during their early years.