Chicken question please

[ancee]

What's the connection between worming and new ground? Yes we got them at point of lay, had an egg the first day they arrived. They are all looking well, one (Geraldine) is slightly skinnier than the others, but she always has been. But not skinny - just not as plump! I haven't got any recent pics that are any good - they are so fast and rubbish at posing! But I'll try again

[ancee]

Sorry Scarlett, just seen your other post, they aren't laying anywhere else, had a good look..

[Scarlet]

What's the connection between worming and new ground?

Keeping chickens in a fixed run that never gets "rested" can mean that the ground can get "sick".
Hens with worms shed thousands of eggs in their poo, it's a vicious circle, they contaminate the ground and in turn pick up worm eggs as they are feeding.
This is more likely in "old" ground that has previously housed chickens.
People with a lot of space can "rest" areas of ground for several months and freshen it with a sprinkle of lime which can break the cycle.

If you house chickens in a same area, year in year out without a rest worming is recommended 4 times a year.
If you can give them "new" ground the worming can be reduced.

#i assumed the ground you have your chickens on is fresh/new that hasn't had hens on it previously - so in theory your chickens shouldn't be so heavily burdened by worms that they have stopped laying for that reason. Although I'm sure surprised that they've ALL stopped!

[Floyd]

Have you completely ruled out the possibility of red mite? An infestation of the buggers stopped ours laying last summer.

[ancee]

Just been out and we have 3 eggs!!!!! So, they've probably found out that I've been on here asking (now pointless!) questions just to fool me!
Thanks for the info Scarlett, there is so much to learn isn't there?
So what do you make of that then???!!! Little Buggers!