Runny Bottom - rather than runny eggs!

[TPeers]

I dont think Chicken keeping is an exact science .

I hope not! If it is I don't want the exam! Sorry to hijack the thread but can anyone tell me just what I can expect if the hens get a scare over night?

I ask because two/three nights ago I put the girls to bed as normal and came down at seven the following morning as normal to find two eggs on the floor of the coop - not in the nest box - one was paper thin and both were cracked.

There has been the odd loose movement over the last day of so and the hens have been unsettled ever since, unwilling to go into the coop. I have treated with mite powder and will vermex at the month start as normal - any ideas?

Terry

[yoanbob]

if its not mite it could be rats, occationally mine will lay on the floor for no apparent reason
if they have had a frieght they tend to stay close to their house and winge a lot for a few days, not sure if thats any help. sorry.

[daisychook]

Hi Terry

I agree with Yoanbob, it could be those pesky rats, I didnt want to post the 'R' word last night, but that was my thoughts!!! We have had that issue, resolved now with appropriate measures!

Sorry

[TPeers]

My mind has been wandering along the same track, unfortunately. The girls are grumbling, wanting me out with the constantly - I thought they might just be bored. Might have to lay a sand trail and see what footprints are there in the morning.

I move the Ark everyother day, but I doubt that would worry a rat. Neighbours over the back are having a massive extension and ever since they tore down the old garage the cats have been bringing back large mice, so the timing is correct!

What a nusance! Now I just need a toddler proof trap!

Thanks guys - I think!

Terry

[River]

Hello all. Sorry about your troubles, Hilary, but glad things are improving for you!
As far as problems from the rats- cats do a very nice job of deterring them if they come near! If only the kitties would leave their "kill" outside, but always seems they want to show it off to you, as they are so proud of themselves.

Hey Pigletwillie- I live in the US, and am curious, and have no clue: what is the lottie? Is it something like a lake, or body of water?

P.S. you are all welcome for the laughs. hehe

[yoanbob]

hi River a lottie is an abriviation of allottment which is a small plot of land used for growing fruit and veg and somtimes chickens, we are a small country and land is a premium so a lottie is the way to go if you want to grow your own, it started in the war when we could no longer import food and everything was rationed, but the allottment associations are still going strong today, most of us on here have one.

[TPeers]

Hi River, welcome to the 'vine!

If your cats only bring you dead mice, count yourself lucky! Mine bring me undamaged live mice, usually bringing them in when I am out and releasing them for me to 'hunt' - they can't understand why I am always so cross!

Since I don't usually see the mice brought in, it can be a few hours (or even a day) before I am aware of the problem. I have taken to keeping live traps in strategic locations around the house and checking them on a regular basis!

I must love cats..... I'd have thrown them out otherwise

Terry

[MURFE 18]

Hi hilary, were can you get verm x do you have to see a vet or can you buy it over the counter, as i have a black rock hen that is a bit under the weather her rear is slightly wet and droppings have abit of a green in it she is also off her food ,

[Hilary]

i bought it from wolfenden farm foods in Oswaldtwistle - its a pump bottle, and you put one squirt in per hen. It was expensive at £17 a bottle, but they assure me it should last nigh on a year.
They also sold it in pellet form that you add to the feed - they look just like layers pellets - so i wonder how you know which and how much they have eaten.
I am sure they would post you some - if you cant source it locally. I did a google search on it to find someone just up the road from me.
If they dont want to post it - email me, and i will go and buy it and post it on to you happily. - but they are really nice people - and keep around 80 hens themselves - so he, in particular, is really knowledgable.

[MURFE 18]

Hi hilary thanks for info but have now got some from our local countrywide store it was £13.34 for the spray, the chook seems better already, many thanks