Strange object in nest box

[frias]

I've tried Marmite too but as Sue says the shells aren't just thin, there's no shell at all. I've even used the pellets especially for ex-batts.

[mr darcy]

this post has really confused me!! i found things like that when the girls came INTO lay (puberty not menopause!!)anyway i thought Mr Darcy was doing them

[Flummery]

I only had a very small one and it too was when the gilrs were newly laying. I think it just a change thingie - whichever direction.

[RichmondHens]

It does seem to! My Amber link - who laid daily non-stop for 2 summers and through the winter - laid one a couple of months ago and now she's laying shell-less ones almost every other day . Must have run out of shell! She's been with me since POL so I know she's had all she should in the way of calcium etc.

2 years old is not at all old for a chook. They should live for 5 or 6 years at least if healthy (excluding ex-batts of course who are worn out). Not sure what your problem is with the Amber Link Sue. Perhaps she just needs a rest if she has had a prolonged period of lay which it sounds like she has. She certainly shouldn't be going through the "hen menopause" yet.

[Hilary B]

The best source of Vit D (which helps absorption of Calcium) is sunshine, rather scarce of late. If that is the problem, longer days should help.

[Suechooks]

2 years old is not at all old for a chook. They should live for 5 or 6 years at least if healthy (excluding ex-batts of course who are worn out). Not sure what your problem is with the Amber Link Sue. Perhaps she just needs a rest if she has had a prolonged period of lay which it sounds like she has. She certainly shouldn't be going through the "hen menopause" yet.

Thanks RH. I realise she's not old but she did lay very prolifically for about 19-20 months so I'm guessing this is her way of "resting". I thought she wasn't laying at all until I actually saw her produce one of these soft jobs. She is very well and not losing weight or looking poorly and eats for Wales so I'm really quite happy for her to not lay as long as it doesn't harm her. Amber Links are used in commercial egg producion for free range eggs so my thoughts were that her metabolism/genetic make-up could well be akin to the birds bred for battery cages - maximum production over a short period. Just my theory! She's a lovely girl anyway!

[shadegrow]

It's what's known as a "lash". It's when part of the reproductive system sort of sloughs away. It's not rare, but doesn't often happen, usually in older chickens or ex-batts. There's no treatment needed apart from the usual system boosters like Poultry Spice. I had it happen to 3 of my girls last year, and although (I don't think) they laid any more eggs, they continued to have a happy life. They are a bit gross aren't they - stink too

By the way, welcome to the Vine We're a nosey lot, so you'll have to let us know what chooks you've got, and pictures too if poss

That's an amazing coincidence!! I came on here to ask about just such a thing. One of ours passed what looked like a tumour yesterday but it wasn't bloody or seem to have been detached in any way from other tissue. Fits the description of a "lash" to a tee.
Thanks for the thread

[tlck9]

Here's a pic. This is such a weird thing. Thanks for any advice.

Looks like a sort of uncooked sausage roll!

[lesleygl]

I think it is a ready made Chicken Kiev!